Under the California Vehicle Code, any vehicle driven on the roadway must display valid license plates or a valid temporary permit. However, the police cannot stop a car only for the reason that the car has a temporary permit but no license plates.

An officer cannot stop the vehicle simply because he or she believes that such permits are often forged or otherwise invalid. The officer must have a reason to believe that the particular permit is forged or invalid. An officer cannot make a traffic stop or detain the driver only in order to check his driver’s license and registration of the car. Anything found as a result of a stop and search that came from a traffic stop where the officer was just checking these may not be allowed to be used in court against the driver.

Further, officers cannot make a traffic stop based on a hunch or the age of the vehicle. The officer must have a reason that the driver is unlicensed or that the car is not registered, or that either the car or an occupant is acting illegally.

 

It is important that you hire an attorney that can fully advise you of your rights and be ready to present your case before a judge and/or jury. The Law Offices of Michael S. Carrillo can provide you with a free consultation and a breakdown of your case every step of the way. We pride ourselves on individualized attention to your case. To us, you’re not just a file but you’re a person struggling to find the best outcome to your case. Give us a call at (626) 799-9375or email us at mike@mikecarrillo.com for an immediate response.