Out of State License Plates: What Happens When You’re Pulled Over

Driving with an out of state license plate can sometimes lead to confusion and, in some cases, complications when you're pulled over by law enforcement. Understanding your rights and the reasons behind these actions can help you navigate such situations more smoothly.

Laws and Regulations

While traffic police are legally allowed to stop you for routine checks even if you haven't violated any rules, these stops are primarily to ensure road safety and enforce regulations. It's important to know your rights and the procedures followed during a traffic stop.

Your Rights During a Traffic Stop

Request the Reason for the Stop: You have the right to ask the officer why you're being pulled over. Understanding the reason helps you understand the potential consequences and allows you to cooperate appropriately. Declining a Vehicle Search: You don't have to allow a search of your vehicle unless the officer has probable cause. If the officer asks to search your vehicle without cause, you have the right to politely decline. Receive a Proper Ticket: You should receive a ticket or citation that has clear and detailed information. Make sure you understand what the ticket entails before you sign it.

State-Specific Considerations

When you're driving with out of state plates, the officer typically has to fill out information on a different state's mobile computer terminal. This can add a few seconds to the traffic stop process as the officer may need to study the DMV records differently than what they're used to. For instance, if you're from California and you're pulled over in Colorado, the officer in Colorado may have to adjust to a different format of DMV records.

Examples and Case Scenarios

Consider the case of out-of-state drivers in Denver in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Many residents from Minnesota (MN) moved or visited Colorado (CO) with vehicles having old license plates from their home states. Many of these drivers received significant fines for using old out-of-state plates, despite not committing any other traffic violations.

Motivated by inexperience with Colorado traffic rules, some drivers waited until their out-of-state plates expired before renewing. This practice led to many drivers being caught and fined for notable offenses like DWB (Driving While Breathing) in certain neighborhoods, even though the underlying action might have been perfectly legal.

In another scenario, a driver from California (CA) may be using their cousin's car to run a quick errand and is stopped for DWB in the wrong neighborhood. If the California driver is not in possession of a valid driving license issued by CO, they may face additional legal challenges, despite no illegal activity taking place.

Procedural Variations

In some situations, such as a pursuit that crosses state lines, most adjacent states have reciprocal agreements in place. This allows officers from one state to continue a pursuit into the adjacent state until local officers get on scene to take over. The pursuing officer will typically hang back to allow the receiving state to handle the situation, ensuring a smooth transition of control.

Conclusion

While being pulled over with out of state plates can be a minor, additional challenge for drivers, understanding the potential reasons and your rights can help mitigate any stress or complications during such an encounter. Always ensure you have valid documentation, respect the procedures of the state in which you're driving, and stay informed about local traffic laws to avoid unnecessary challenges during a traffic stop.