Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Michigan

Q: Can police run your plate while moving in Michigan

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Absolutely. In fact, some departments and areas have license plate scanners mounted on vehicles they can use to just drive around a parking lot of run all plates almost instantly.

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Answered

A: Yes, police in Michigan can run your license plate while moving. They don't need a specific reason or suspicion to do so. License plates are visible in public, so law enforcement officers are allowed to check them against the state database while driving.

If the police discover any issues, such as expired registration, outstanding warrants, or other violations, they can legally stop you. Running plates is a routine procedure for officers to ensure vehicles on the road are compliant with the law.

It's important to keep your registration and insurance up to date to avoid potential stops. If you have any concerns about being stopped, it's always a good idea to know your rights and stay calm during the interaction.

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