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American law enforcement officers (LEOs) pull over tens of thousands of drivers every day. It’s part of the landscape of our roads, avenues, and highways. As such, there are certain things a police officer is allowed to require you to do at a routine traffic stop, like performing a field sobriety test. 

A police officer is well within their right to see your license, make you step out of your vehicle, and even issue a field sobriety test

Depending on the state, a police officer can legally command a driver to do the following.

  • Produce a license and registration
  • Produce proof of insurance
  • Get out of the car
  • Perform a field sobriety test
  • Search your person

Now, I live in Louisville, Kentucky. If you aren’t familiar with Louisville, the city made national headlines for multiple police officers’ conduct in the death of Louisville resident Breonna Taylor. As such, Louisville cops are under much scrutiny for their actions on and off the streets. Consequently, the Courier Journal has a guide to what LMPD officers can and can’t demand during a traffic stop.

For starters, and all too predictably so, a police officer will likely introduce themselves and explain why they pulled you over. However, they will likely require you to disclose the location of your license, registration, and proof of insurance before displaying them. Moreover, it’s more often than not policy that a law enforcement officer will order you to produce all three documents at a traffic stop. 

Furthermore, a police officer might request that you exit the car. While that might seem drastic, it’s a safety concern and well within the officer’s rights. Additionally, an LEO can require that a driver conduct a field sobriety test in the event that they suspect a driver’s intoxication– that, or if a driver refuses a breathalyzer test. Of course, you can refuse. Just expect to end up in handcuffs. 

Unfortunately, some police officers are allowed to search or “frisk” a motorist when outside their vehicle without probable cause or a warrant, per the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. As such, drivers should make sure they’re not carrying anything that would land them in hot water with the authorities. Of course, if you suspect law enforcement of violating your rights, contact a lawyer or the ACLU immediately.

Source: Courier Journal

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).