How long can a ploice officer follow you before pulling you over?

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How long can a ploice officer follow you before pulling you over?

I was recently pulled over for allegedly speeding 50 in a 40 mph zone and a license plate light was out. I wasn’t pulled over until 1.3 miles outside of jurisdiction though which means the officer just followed me 1.3 miles outside of town then made the traffic stop. Can they do this?

Asked on September 3, 2019 under General Practice, Ohio

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

There is no limit on how long a police officer may choose to follow you before pulling you over. In other words, it is up to the officer's discretion. They can follow you for as long as it takes them to reasonably determine that you might pose a danger to public safety. So, for example, they might follow someone who was driving recklessly or carelessly for a period of time in order to see the driver commits any other traffic violations.

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 4 years ago | Contributor

There is no limit on how long a police officer may choose to follow you before pulling you over. In other words, it is up to the officer's discretion. They can follow you for as long as it takes them to reasonably determine that you might pose a danger to public safety. So, for example, they might follow someone who was driving recklessly or carelessly for a period of time in order to see the driver commits any other traffic violations.


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