Q: Is a faded temp tag grounds for a traffic stop in PA?
I was pulled over in Pennsylvania because my temporary tag from Maryland was 23 days old and faded. The officer did not state any other reason for the stop, both at the time and in the incident report. During the stop, I was arrested and charged with possession of drugs. This is the first time I've been pulled over for a faded temp tag. I haven't faced any legal proceedings yet. Is a faded temp tag alone sufficient grounds for a traffic stop, and how might this affect my case?
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A:
In Pennsylvania, a faded temporary tag could potentially be grounds for a traffic stop if it is deemed unreadable or difficult to verify. While a faded tag might not automatically violate the law, an officer could stop a vehicle to ensure that the tag is visible and that the vehicle is properly registered. Even though the officer didn’t mention other reasons for the stop, the fading of the tag alone could have been considered a valid justification for pulling you over.
Regarding the **drug possession charge**, this is a separate issue. During the traffic stop, if the officer found probable cause or had reason to search your vehicle, the discovery of drugs could lead to an arrest. It’s important to review whether the search was **legally conducted** and if your rights were properly followed during the stop.
If you feel that the stop was not justified or if you were unfairly targeted, you may want to challenge the **legality of the traffic stop**. You can also argue that the faded tag did not provide a reasonable basis for the officer's actions. It may be helpful to consult with an attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on the best way to proceed.
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