| The appropriate standard to stop a motor vehicle and temporarily detain its occupants is "reasonable suspicion", a lower standard than "probable cause". Probable cause is the general standard to search or arrest. The US Supreme Court has carved out exceptions to the reasonable suspicion requirement by allowing sobriety checkpoints and equipment safety checks if they meet certain criteria. These mobile smog checks in California are voluntary....simply say "no, thanks" and go on your way.
 GatorJ 1996 300ZX NA 1970 Fairlady Z 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD 1973 VW Super Beetle Sports Bug |