Q: In Minnesota, when stopped driving, what are the legalities with officer not answering "why did you stop using"
He asked where we going and why we went the way we did. He asked for driver ID. Driver asked why we were pulled over. Officer responded with "I will tell you after I see your ID".
A: A police officer is not required to provide a comprehensive recital of the reasons for the stop.
A: In Minnesota police must justify a traffic stop with "reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal activity" or an observed traffic law violation. These are based on facts that the officer can articulate, later to a judge. A driver must have a valid driver's license to lawfully drive in Minnesota. Typically the police officer will do a quick criminal history and driver's license history check using the vehicle plate and the driver's license. If a police officer refused to say a reason for the stop until after seeing a driver's license, perhaps they were concerned about the possibility of an argument over the reason. But I don't know of a requirement that police inform the driver of the reason for the stop immediately after the stop.
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A:
In Minnesota, when an officer stops you while driving, they are generally required to have a reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or criminal activity. However, officers do not always have to immediately state the reason for the stop. They are allowed to ask for your identification, driver's license, and proof of insurance before explaining why they pulled you over.
If you ask the officer why you were stopped, they might respond after verifying your ID. This approach is often used to ensure safety and confirm the identity of the driver. While it may feel uncomfortable, this is a common practice and does not necessarily mean your rights are being violated.
If you believe the stop was unjust or if the officer does not provide a valid reason after checking your ID, you can politely ask again or choose to address it later through a formal complaint or legal channels. Always remain calm and respectful during the interaction to avoid escalating the situation. Remember, your primary goal is to ensure safety and gather any needed information for future reference.
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