What You Must Know about Traffic Stops in California

What happens if you cannot show your driver's license during a traffic stop?

You must show it at a hearing

Nothing, you are not required to show your license

Officers may conduct a limited search for the license

If a driver does not produce the necessary documents, officers may conduct a limited search for them.

If you do not want the officer to search your vehicle, you should:

Drive away

Lock windows and doors

Clearly say that you do not give your permission

If you do not want the officer to search your vehicle, you should clearly say that you do not give your permission, but you do not have a right to resist or obstruct the officer if they search your vehicle anyway.

Is discrimination by an officer prohibited in California?

Only under certain circumstances

No

Yes

California law prohibits discrimination in law enforcement practices.

Can you refuse a police officer's request to search your vehicle?

Yes, always

No, never

Yes, but the officer may still proceed

In California, individuals can refuse an officer's request to search their vehicle. However, if the officer still decides to proceed with the search, it's important not to interfere.

Can an officer confiscate your phone just because you use it to record a traffic stop?

Only if you are guilty of a violation.

Yes, always

No, it's illegal

An officer cannot confiscate your recording device, delete the recording, or destroy the device just because you are using it to record. In general, you also have the right to deny a request to unlock a cellular phone or provide a password.

Can you record police interactions with your phone?

Only with the officer's permission

No, it's illegal

Yes, but it should not obstruct the officer

Recording police interactions is a protected right in California, provided it does not interfere with the officer's duties.

Can an officer inquire about an individual's immigration status?

Yes, always

Only if they suspect illegal activity

No, it's illegal

In California, it is illegal for state and local law enforcement officers to ask about someone's immigration status.

Which of the following must you produce to an officer when asked to?

Social security number

Address and phone number

Vehicle registration

When stopped by law enforcement, the driver of a stopped vehicle must produce a driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

Can passengers refuse to give their names to officers?

No, never

Yes, always

Yes, but under certain conditions they might have to identify themselves

Passengers generally have the right to decline to provide their names to officers, but there are specific situations where they might be required to identify themselves.

What should you do if you believe an officer violates your rights?

Physically resist

Do nothing

File a complaint

If you believe your rights have been violated by law enforcement in California, it's advised to file a complaint rather than physically resist, for safety reasons.

Your score is

This quiz focuses on your rights (and responsibilities) when stopped by the police in California.

You may have noticed the California Driver Handbook has lengthy information about traffic stops, so you can expect such questions on your DMV test.

Learn the Basics

Let us go over the basics first!

If an officer signals you to stop, you should turn on your right turn signal to acknowledge that you see the officer.

You should move over onto the right shoulder as soon as it is safe. If you are in a roundabout or intersection, you must wait until you have cleared the intersection. When you are in a HOV lane, exit the lane and cross over to the shoulder one lane at a time.

Then, roll down your window, place your hands in clear view, and wait for the officer to make contact.

Always remain inside your vehicle unless directed to get out by the officer.

The Officer’s Responsibility

Law enforcement officers must state the reason for traffic stops before they begin questioning you.

They will typically ask: “Do you know why I have stopped you today?”

An exception for stating the reason is if an officer reasonably believes withholding the reason is necessary to protect life or property from an imminent threat.

A Short Version of the Information in the Handbook

The California Driver Handbook provides guidelines about rights and responsibilities during interactions with law enforcement in California.

It states that individuals can refuse some of the officer’s requests, like vehicle searches, but shouldn’t interfere if the officer proceeds anyway.

When stopped by the police, a driver must show their driver’s license, proof of liability insurance, and registration.

Passengers can decline to give their names, but they might have to identify themselves under certain conditions. If passengers refuse to produce their identification, they should clearly say so.

Recording the traffic stop with a device like your cell phone is allowed, but you cannot obstruct the officer’s duties. The officer cannot confiscate your device, delete the recording, or destroy it just because you are using it to record.

It’s illegal for California state and local officers to inquire about immigration status.

If an Officer Violates Your Rights

If you believe an officer violates your rights, you can voice your objection, but you should not physically resist.

You can always file complaints against law enforcement officers without fear of retaliation, and there are strong protections against discrimination.

The Complete California Exam 2026