What information are you legally required to give a police officer?

Question

Hi, I have been looking up information on rights, laws, etc. and was wondering during a "routine" traffic stop, what information I am legally required to give the officer? Somewhere I read that the only information you have to supply an officer with is your name, address and date of birth, and was wondering if that is true. 

Also, are you obligated to answer personal questions during a routine traffic stop? Such as "Where are you going?", "Where are you coming from?", "Who are you going to meet?", "Where's the hurry?", etc. Are questions like those an appropriate time for you to exercise your fifth amendment right? Why or why not?

Thanks in advance for all answers.

Ẩn danh · Accepted Answer

"and was wondering during a "routine" traffic stop, what information I am legally required to give the officer? "

If you are driving you must give him your license, registration, and insurance card. 

" are you obligated to answer personal questions during a routine traffic stop? "

No, you can say, " I prefer not to discuss my personal business with you."

Whether or not it is wise to do this depends on the situation.

The Sword of Gideon · Answer

...remember, when you took your Drivers License Exam ?  remember?  ...well, you signed a document (as a part of that Drivers License) that lets you know that "driving" is a PRIVILEGE !  Not a Constitutional Right !  You agreed, that when you were the driver of a motor vehicle you would be complicit to ALL the Traffic Laws and Motor vehicle Laws...  in essence, you gave many of your Rights away to have your Drivers License...  (and you did so with "joy and jubilant sounds and happiness, because "you" now were a Licensed Driver !  ...Oh Happy Day !!! )   Remember...?

So... here you are...  wondering what Constitutional Rights you have during a "traffic stop"...well, you have them ALL ! (however) "if" you choose to exercise "some" of them...  you will be subjecting yourself to the rules, regulations, Laws and Statutes of the Motor Vehicle codes that you "SIGNED OFF ON" to get your License...

You can "sit there" and say NOTHING to the Police Officer ! (and) you have a Constitutional Right to do so !   (but) The Police Officer has the Legal Right (By Law) to enforce The Law that you agreed to comply with on the "day your got your first Drivers License" !

If you don't want to say anything... just show the Police Officer your License, Registration and Insurance Card and say... "Officer, with all due respect, I now choose to NOT make any statements what so ever or answer any questions without my Attorney being present"...  At that point, the Police cannot ask your anything more... (however) "they" can continue to investigate ANYTHING they believe is happening in their presence or have Probable Cause to believe that you might be involved in...   Choose wisely.

John H · Answer

I am in agreement with the above answers. You have Constitutional rights, but it is best to maintain a friendly conversation, if possible, with a police officer during a traffic stop. He has a lot of options. He can let you go with a respectful warning or he can give you a REALLY HARD TIME.

Discretion if the better part of valor.

? · Answer

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TELL THE POLICE OR SPEAK TO THE POLICE IF YOU DONT
WANT TO.YOU MAY INCRIMINATE YOURSELF INADVERTENTLY.JUST YOUR NAME AND 
ADDRESS,DOB IS SUFFICIENT.IF THE POLICE TRY TO GET STROPPY WITH YOU SAY
YOU WANT TO SPEAK TO A LAWYER BEFORE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.WHAT YOU ARE
DOING IS YOUR OWN BUSINESS ,CONTRARY TO PUBLIC BELIEF WE DONT YET INHABIT
A POLICE STATE!

What information are you legally required to give a police officer?

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