Is this legal in PA

[bigbook]

can an officer pull a car over because the plate comes back with the owner of the vehicle having a suspended DL? There was no traffic offence made and it was night time so there could not be a positive id of the driver made. thanks

[Citicop]

bigbook-

The standard of proof necessary to stop someone (either in a car or on foot) is "reasonable suspicion." This is a lower burden of proof necessary than what is needed to issue a ticket or make an arrest.

If the owner of a vehicle has a suspended driver's license, than it is reasonable to assume that the owner may be driving the car. A brief stop to investigate the possible criminal violation is certainly allowed.

Also, asking the question in one place is more than enough. You'll get plenty of answers without cross-posting, which is considered rude.

-Citicop.

[bigbook]

thanks.
and sorry Im new on here. That pretty much answers it. I was followed for about four blocks then I parked my car and started walking. When the lights came on I was on foot and never returned to my car. I did know my DL was still suspended. So if I was not stopped while I was behind the wheel can I still be written a ticket. And can my car be towed from a public lot? thanks again

[bigbook]

I meant private lot*

[Citicop]

In my state, the answer is yes and yes.

I have 6 months to file traffic charges from the time of the offense, so the fact that you got out of your car first would make little difference.

And I can tow your car from anywhere if I can tow it at all.

I have towed the car of DWI arrests from their own driveways. There's no "base..."

-Citicop.

[mcsap]

Yes.

In PA , you can be charged with any of the serious motor vehicle code violations AND the driving under suspension violation while driving on a street or any private lot ( mall , 7-11 etc) that in ANY way is open to the public. PA calls private property a trafficway.

[scott715us]

So you think you're "home free" if you're already out of the vehicle? How about someone evading police and they're able to pull into their driveway? You think the officers are going to turn around and go home? If they saw you driving they can do as they please.

Towing can vary from state to state, but if you're referring to a restaurant or somewhere else that's private property open to public, your car is fair game.

[Joeyd6]

thanks.
and sorry Im new on here. That pretty much answers it. I was followed for about four blocks then I parked my car and started walking. When the lights came on I was on foot and never returned to my car. I did know my DL was still suspended. So if I was not stopped while I was behind the wheel can I still be written a ticket. And can my car be towed from a public lot? thanks again

So you have no license, yet got in a vehicle, then drove, got caught by the police, and then come here, to a police webiste and try to figure out a way to weasle out of the tickets you deserve and earned?

Sounds like the State of PA has their stuff together. You are way to immature to be behind a wheel of a car.

[Creeker]

In SC, you could also be charged with failure to return suspended items as well, if you didn't send them in. Then there's another charge for presenting a suspended DL as I.D.

As for the rest of those immaturely reasoned "wrongs" that were done to you, Law Enforcement is not a game of "Tag".

[retdetsgt]

I did know my DL was still suspended. So if I was not stopped while I was behind the wheel can I still be written a ticket. And can my car be towed from a public lot? thanks again

Oh good grief! Here's a novel concept or you. Don't drive a friggin' car if you have a suspended license. You think the world should make an exception for you? Geez, you knowingly break the law and then come here whining and crying, looking for a way to get out of it?

Driving is a privilege and you blew it some way to get your license suspended. Do the right thing and either stay out from behind the wheel of a car or do whatever is necessary to get your license reinstated. Meanwhile, grow up and quit whining, you Jackwagon!

[bigbook]

Thanks for the replies everyone. After re-reading my post I saw that it says " did" I def did not know that my DL was suspended or I would not have been driving. Thanks again everyone!

[mcsap]

A Freudian slip perhaps ??!