Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

No probable cause for traffic stop?

I was recently stopped by an airport police officer at Sanford Airport. I had not committed any traffic violations. The officer stated the reason why I was pulled over was because he had run my license plate and the registered owner of the vehicle (NOT ME, my friend) had a suspended license. He asked if that was me and I said no , and I explained. He said ok, just make sure your friend knows about his license. He then let me go without even asking MY name, much less caring about the status of MY

drivers license. I don't believe he had P.C. for a stop....correct?


Asked on 6/17/08, 9:04 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

Re: No probable cause for traffic stop?

No, Florida law is pretty clear on that one. If the officer runs a tag and learns that the registered owner has a suspended DL, he/she can conduct a traffic stop. However, if the officer realizes that you don't fit the description of the registered owner BEFORE the traffic stop, then the stop might not be good. For example, if the registered owner is a black female and you are a white male driving the car and he sees you (so he knows you're not the registered owner), than things might be different. But, that's kinda rare.

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Answered on 6/17/08, 9:17 pm
Aaron Slavin Slavin Law Firm, LLC

Re: No probable cause for traffic stop?

No, Florida law is pretty clear on that one. If the officer runs a tag and learns that the registered owner has a suspended DL, he/she can conduct a traffic stop. However, if the officer realizes that you don't fit the description of the registered owner BEFORE the traffic stop, then the stop might not be good. For example, if the registered owner is a black female and you are a white male driving the car and he sees you (so he knows you're not the registered owner), than things might be different. But, that's kinda rare.

Read more
Answered on 6/17/08, 9:17 pm


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