Unexpected Traffic Stop Reasons You Should Know

The term “traffic stop” might conjure images of drivers doing things that are clearly illegal, such as running red lights or speeding. Not only is getting pulled over inconvenient, it can lead to significant legal problems, including fines, points on one’s driving record, or even arrest.

To pull a vehicle over, a police officer must have reasonable suspicion of a traffic offense or other illegal activity. This includes much more than well-known traffic violations like DUI. Knowing why police pull you over can help drivers avoid problems on the road. 

Uncommon reasons for traffic stops include problems with the condition of a vehicle, expired vehicle registration, or concern about the driver’s condition. Any of these situations can justify a traffic stop, which can lead to further legal complications. A traffic attorney with knowledge of Kansas and Missouri laws can help you understand and assert your rights.

Why Are Unexpected Traffic Stops Important?

The Fourth Amendment prohibits police from searching people or their property without a warrant issued by a court, but there are exceptions to this rule. One exception involves traffic stops based on reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation. The stop can only be long enough to investigate the suspected violation, but the officer can investigate anything they reasonably suspect.

Suppose an officer stops a vehicle because of an expired registration tag. This is a ticket that carries a relatively small fine. If the officer thinks they smell alcohol after approaching the driver, however, they can investigate the driver for DUI. This could lead to an arrest and a much more costly legal proceeding, even if the driver is not impaired.

What Are Some Examples of Unexpected Traffic Stop Causes?

Police in Kansas and Missouri can pull a vehicle over if they suspect almost any legal violation, including seemingly minor traffic laws. Other reasons for traffic stops may include public safety, welfare checks, and possible connections to ongoing investigations.

Equipment Violations

Traffic laws in Kansas and Missouri set equipment standards for vehicles. Kansas law, for example, states that it is unlawful to drive a vehicle with improper or malfunctioning equipment, including:

• Headlights
• Brake lights and turn signals
• Rearview mirrors
• Windshields

Police may pull a vehicle over for faulty equipment, such as:

• Broken or missing lights, including brake lights and turn signals
• Damaged or missing mirrors
• Windshield or window damage that interferes with the driver’s view
• Windshield obstructions, such as a hanging air freshener or clutter on the dashboard.

Keeping your car clean and in good working order can help you avoid run-ins with the police.

License Plate issues

Kansas and Missouri have different requirements for license plates.

• Missouri requires license plates to be “securely fastened” to the front and back of all vehicles except motorcycles and large trucks.
• Kansas requires license plates on the back of all vehicles with some exceptions, including truck tractors and antique cars.

The location of the license plate is based on the state of the vehicle’s registration. In either state, the license plate must be clearly visible.

Traffic law violations justifying a stop by police might include:

• A missing front plate for a vehicle registered in Missouri
• An obstruction that makes the plate unreadable
• Dirt or mud that obscures the plate

Driving Behavior

If a police officer observes behavior by a driver that raises concerns about public safety, they may legally pull the vehicle over. Examples of concerning driving behavior might include:

• Making unusually wide turns
• Straddling lanes of traffic
• Driving unusually slow
• Making abrupt or frequent lane changes

Kansas and Missouri prohibit reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and “distracted driving,” which means driving while using a cell phone or other device in any way that takes one’s eyes off the road, such as typing or reading text messages.

Unusual behavior by a driver could be a sign that they are distracted or impaired, which can justify a traffic stop.

Registration Issues

Kansas and Missouri require drivers to register their vehicles. Missouri drivers must register a vehicle within 30 days of purchase, and Kansas drivers have 60 days. Drivers in both states must renew their registrations periodically. A sticker on the license plate indicates whether a vehicle’s registration is up-to-date. Police can pull vehicles over if their registration stickers are out of date.

Vehicle Modifications

Kansas and Missouri limit certain types of vehicle modifications. Police may use unlawful modifications as a basis for stopping a vehicle on the road.

• Window tinting: Certain windows must allow a minimum amount of light to get through.
• Mufflers: Vehicles must have mufflers that limit engine and exhaust noise.
• Stereo volume: A vehicle cannot emit so much noise that it creates a nuisance. Kansas has specific decibel limits.
• Frame or suspension modifications: Kansas sets a maximum height of 14 feet for noncommercial vehicles. Missouri limits bumper height to a maximum of 24 to 31 inches, depending on the vehicle’s total weight.
• Lighting: In Kansas, non-emergency vehicles may not have red lights, including neon running lights.

Non-Traffic Related Reasons

Police may stop a vehicle for certain reasons that are not directly related to the condition of the vehicle or suspected moving violations. Officers must still abide by constitutional limits for these types of traffic stops.

• The vehicle matches the description of a vehicle used in a suspected crime.
• The driver matches the description of a suspect.
• The license plate matches a wanted vehicle or an expired warrant. Officers may run random checks of license plate numbers.
• Police want to perform a welfare check based on concern about a driver’s condition.

Talk to a Kansas or Missouri Traffic Attorney to Learn More

Traffic stops can be serious. Even a stop for something that seems small or unimportant can lead to citations, searches, or worse. You have legal rights in any kind of traffic case. Police must be able to provide legal reasons for traffic stops in court. An experienced traffic lawyer can challenge the legality of the ticket or the stop itself. They can help you reduce points on your driving record or get the court to dismiss the ticket. 

Sloan Law Office provides compassionate legal representation throughout the greater Kansas City area to people dealing with traffic charges. Contact us online or at 816-777-1340 today to schedule a confidential and free consultation to see how we can help you.