I was surprised to see red lights behind me, and realized that I had to stop and pull over. The officer walked up to my window. Can he ask me why he pulled me over, or is he required to tell me why I was stopped?By law, effective Jan. 1 of this year, law enforcement can no longer ask, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” That’s a no-no . Instead, officers are now required to tell you why you were stopped.
Municipalities eventually implemented bans as a result of concerns about traffic, noise and alleged crime. Lowriders, and cruising itself, were said to be targeted by law enforcement, and subject to a watchful eye . Now, California has a new law on the books that lifts both the restrictions on lowrider cruising, and the restrictions that prohibited the body of a vehicle from riding closer to the ground than the bottom of its rims.
Ron Sokol has been a practicing attorney for over 40 years, and has also served many times as a judge pro tem, mediator, and arbitrator. It is important to keep in mind that this column presents a summary of the law, and is not to be treated or considered legal advice, let alone a substitute for actual consultation with a qualified professional.