A member asked me to read this thread and give my views.
My first reaction is it's unwise to speculate. The OP asked a simple question. Many of the posts that followed speculated outside the facts stated in the OP's question. I realize this is the Sandbox, and not the Legal Forum, but it does no good and perhaps could even cause harm to speculate outside a given set of facts.
The OP's question was:
"A friend of mine was stopped randomly by the Ft Worth police and asked to show [their] driver's licence [sic] and proof of insurance. Can they do that now?"
The answer is that a police officer in Texas can stop a driver if the cop has 'reasonable suspicion' the driver committed an offense. 'Reasonable suspicion' is a very low standard for the cop to meet. 'Probable cause' is a higher standard. A cop need not have probable cause to stop a driver. Also, an officer is permitted to ask for a driver's license and proof of insurance, and a driver is required to produce both.
In addition, the police in Texas may stop vehicles and ask for a driver's license and proof of insurance at roadblocks set up for this purpose.
Finally, the police in Texas can stop a vehicle if there's an outward sign that the driver is or has committed an offense. Obviously, if a cop sees a traffic violation, he can stop the driver. A cop can stop a driver if the vehicle has an expired inspection sticker or registration. A cop can detain a driver if the cop determines the vehicle's license plate is connected with an offense. Some cops run tags manually when cruising. But more and more cities and counties are equipping their cruisers with technology that automatically scans license plates and tells the cop when a tag is connected to a warrant.
The OP said his friend was stopped in Cowtown. By coincidence, there were reports in November 2013 that there were requests for breath, saliva, and even blood by federal contractors at a FW police roadblock:
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013...-registration/
Inaccuracies and bonehead advice in this thread:
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovestwospooge
If he is a suspect, person of interest (involve with a crime), or driving a car they can....Other then that he does not have to show them anything. There is no law except when operating a car that a person has to carry an ID.
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It's false that the police can pull over someone only because there's suspicion the driver committed a crime (other than a crime the cop witnessed). There needs to be a warrant for a stop. "Person of interest"? Dude, you watch too many TV crime shows. Haha. Also, drivers in Texas are also required to show an officer proof of insurance during a traffic stop.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovestwospooge
Plus if you really want to piss off the cop after that ask him for three forms of ID. He has too [sic] by law. Anyone can dress up like a cop.
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I think the poster is suggesting a driver try to anger a cop. That's incredibly stupid, in my view. Cops have badges and guns and can pretty much do whatever they want, including fuck with your shit. I suggest that a person should remain calm, cooperative, and silent during encounters with LE.
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldButStillGoing
my understanding is if an officer requests identification you are required to provide it even if just walking down the street. however I'm not 100 sure.
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No, that's false -- in fact, I remember correcting you on this issue before. Your handle suits you. Haha.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ravasher
You don't have to have your ID if you memorize the number but be careful they can hold you in jail until your identity is verified.
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Completely false. A driver is required to have their license in their possession while driving. Having the number memorized is not enough.
Random Police Stop
