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Do cops run your plates when they are behind you?
I was sitting at a stoplight and the cop behind me pulled me over. They said they’d run my plate and found an outstanding warrant for a speeding ticket. Is it legal for law enforcement to randomly run your plates when they’re behind you?
Sarah Gray · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, it is—and they do it all the time. It’s common practice for law enforcement to randomly run the plates of vehicles they encounter on the road.
This practice is how police find stolen vehicles, and, unfortunately for you, people with outstanding warrants. Many police cruisers are even equipped with new camera technology that automatically scans and checks each plate that comes into its view.
To avoid being caught unprepared if an officer pulls you over after running your plate, make sure you carry at least
your state’s minimum required insurance
. Not sure what your state requires? Jerry
is here to help! A licensed broker, Jerry’s experts can help you make sure you get the coverage you need at the price you want in minutes. The Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy. The average user who switches with Jerry saves $887 a year on car insurance!
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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