Birmingham, AL asked in Constitutional Law for Alabama

Q: Can police pull me over for having a valid and active temporary tag on my vehicle if I am not violating any codes?

I was driving from Tallassee to auburn and was pulled over for no reason except that I am using a temporary tag, asked to identify and provide paperwork.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Yes, police can pull you over if they have a reason to believe there might be an issue with your temporary tag, even if it is valid and active. Temporary tags can sometimes be flagged due to expired status, improper display, or if they suspect the tag is fraudulent. However, driving with a valid temporary tag that is clearly displayed and not expired is generally not a traffic violation.

If you were pulled over solely for having a temporary tag and there were no other traffic infractions, it could be a case of the officer wanting to verify the legitimacy of the tag. Officers have the authority to stop vehicles to check documents and ensure compliance with vehicle registration laws. You are within your rights to ask why you were pulled over and to request clarification on what the officer is checking.

In this situation, providing identification and registration paperwork when requested is the usual procedure. If you believe the stop was unjustified or your rights were violated, you might consider discussing it with a legal professional to understand your options better. It is also helpful to know local laws and regulations regarding traffic stops and vehicle tags.

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