View source for Your Rights in Your Car

{{Legal disclaimer}}
'''Pulled over? Slow down, signal, stop somewhere safe, and keep your hands visible.''' At night, turn on the interior light. Calm and predictable is the goal.

== Drivers and passengers are different ==
* '''The driver''' must show a license, registration and proof of insurance when police ask. Pass them through a partially opened window. You do not have to answer questions about where you are going, where you were born, or your status.
* '''Passengers''' can stay silent, and in most states do not have to identify themselves. A passenger can ask ''"Am I free to leave?"'' and, if yes, calmly leave.

== Searches ==
Say: ''"I do not consent to a search of my car."'' Say it even if they search anyway (with claimed probable cause they might). Never physically resist. Your stated non-consent matters later in court.

== If you are ordered out ==
Comply physically. Exiting the car when ordered is not consent to anything else. Keep exercising your right to silence.

== Border Patrol checkpoints ==
CBP runs immigration checkpoints, mostly within 100 miles of a border or coast. At a checkpoint:
* They may ask brief immigration questions and can send you to "secondary" inspection.
* You may remain silent, but never lie and never show false papers.
* You do not have to consent to a search of your vehicle.

== Everyone in the car ==
* Do not sign anything on the roadside. See [[If You Are Detained]] if it goes further.
* You have the right to record your own stop. Announce it calmly, and keep your hands visible while doing it.
* Keep a [[Red Cards and Rights Cards|red card]] in the glovebox with your documents.

[[Category:Guides]][[Category:Know your rights]]