In order for a Chicago law enforcement officer to stop a motor vehicle, he or she must have reasonable articulable suspicion that a public offense has occurred or is occurring. A few legitimate reasons for a suspicious stop include, but are not limited to, traffic violations, equipment violations and suspicious driving. The only relevant issue for review is the objective reasoning for the stop. If you are pulled over by a police officer, there MUST be a lawful reason for the traffic stop. Ten ‘reasonable suspicion’ traffic stops include (not an exhaustive list):
- Speeding
- Veering off the road
- Swerving without reason
- Headlight(s) out
- Broken taillight(s)
- Tinted front windows
- Not reducing speed
- Not heeding caution in hazardous conditions
- Involvement in a traffic accident
- Improper or unsafe lane change
If you were involved in a traffic stop and arrested for DUI, for it to be a valid stop, the officer must have had reasonable suspicion that you were breaking the law. If not, the State’s case is weak and potentially dismissible. It is always important to follow the law, maintain your car, wear seatbelts, and reduce the possibility of being pulled over.
