5 Things That Will Get You Pulled Over in Idaho, Utah, and Washington

Driving can be a stressful time. Having to worry about all the drivers around you, getting to where you are headed on time and safely, and dealing with weather conditions can all make driving a little tense. Not only do drivers have to deal with all these things, but they also have to worry about obeying the law to avoid getting pulled over. While there are some common rules of the road that everyone knows, there are other things that can get drivers pulled over as well. Here are some things that can get you pulled over when driving in Idaho, Washington, and Utah. 

Traffic Violations in Idaho, Washington, and Utah

This is the most common and most obvious way to get pulled over in any state. Committing a traffic violation consists of many things, but most commonly include speeding, running through a red light, running a stop sign, or being an aggressive and careless driver. Most likely every driver will get pulled over at least once in life for some sort of traffic violation. If lucky, the driver gets off with a warning, but even if given a citation, they typically run only around a hundred dollars, maybe more or less depending on the violation. 

Probable Cause For Arrest in Idaho, Washington, and Utah

This is one that you hope to never get pulled over for, but if an officer deems that they believe you have committed a crime or match the description of somebody that has, they will likely pull you over to question you, and potentially arrest you if the deem you are guilty. This can include small things from committing a hit and run to stealing from a store, or perhaps having committed a murder and being on the run. 

Outstanding Warrants in Idaho, Washington, and Utah

If you have a warrant out for your arrest and are avoiding cops by driving away, odds are high that they will pull you over and bring you in. This is one that not many people get pulled over but does happen a few times throughout the year in each state. By getting behind the wheel and fleeing, you have put other drivers at risk, as well as yourself. They will find you and pull you over. 

Suspicion of Criminal Activity in Idaho, Washington, and Utah

While the ones listed above have to do with those who have committed a crime, officers can also pull you over if they believe you are currently committing one or are planning to. While you technically haven't done anything illegal yet or finished the task, if they view you as suspicious, they can pull you over for questioning. What counts as suspicious? That is up to the officer to decide. This s the category that a DUI would fall into though. 

What is a Terry Stop in Idaho, Washington, and Utah?

What is a Terry Stop? It is essentially all of the ones above put together. A Terry stop is when an officer thinks you have committed a crime, are committing a crime, are about to commit a crime, or are thinking about doing something illegal. They do not need a warrant or proof of the pullover at the time but do have to justify their reasoning later on as to why they did a Terry Stop. These aren't common, but do happen from time to time. 

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While most drivers will only get pulled over for on of the reasons above, there are others that will deal with multiple pull overs of the other varieties. Do not give officers a reason o pull you over, and you will have nothing to worry about going forward. Be safe, obey the law, and be respectful to other drivers, and you should be able to go on your way without ever being pulled over in Idaho, Washington, or Utah. For more on what officers can pull you over for, click the link in the first paragraph above.