Kent, WA asked in DUI / DWI for Washington

Q: Do you have to answer police questions during a DUI stop?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
Answered
  • DUI & DWI Lawyer
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Licensed in Washington

A: "It is unlawful for any person while operating or in charge of any vehicle to refuse when requested by a police officer to give his or her name and address and the name and address of the owner of such vehicle, ... or to refuse upon demand of such police officer to produce his or her certificate of license registration of such vehicle, his or her insurance identification card, or his or her vehicle driver's license or to refuse to permit such officer to take any such license, card, or certificate for the purpose of examination thereof ...".

So yes, you have to give your name (driver, not passengers) and provide license, insurance and registration on request. But no, you don't have to answer any other questions, in a DUI stop or any other kind of interaction with police. Even seemingly harmless answers might inadvertently tend to incriminate you, so most lawyers would tell you not to answer any questions at all. Politely tell the officer that if you are going to be questioned you want to talk to an attorney first.

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