Unmarked Traffic Cars

[flashheart]

Hello folks, just a quickie. If, when driving along, an unmarked car attempted to pull me over to the hard shoulder by using flashing lights etc, am I legally obliged to stop? If, for example the occupants get out and are not wearing uniform could I just drive off? Just wondered as some scumbags have fitted lights to cars to make them look like Police vehicles then nicked the car they just 'pulled over'.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Regards

Flashheart

[7db]

Officer needs to be in uniform to stop you*. If he is not, then be prepared to drive off calmly to nearest police station, and report the incident. Note his index if you can. You do not need to open your window or door, and there is not reason not to satisfy yourself as to his identity before communicating.

If you are in any doubt about the car - indicate that you have seen them, and drive to a safe spot - preferably a police station. You may dial 999 from your mobile without handsfree if you have cause for suspicion.



* but could also be VOSA, HMCE or other. He doesn't need his hat on -- but when have you seen trafpol give up the opportunity to put on the white hat?!

[flashheart]

Thanks a lot for the reply. Not had cause to do it yet but you never know......

[^Slider^]

I would suggest that you at the very least achnowledge (sp) their attempt to stop by slowing and maybe holding a hand up otherwise you risk having a number of vehicles trying to stop you as it could be judged as making off or failing to stop.

Calling the police is an option which i would suggest and by giving them the registration number would be handy as they can check it. If you cant see it they will always call up on the local channel asking what unit is trying to stop, by that point your index would have been passed so the control room will already know what your talking about.

I think that any unmarked unit will have officers in uniform for the reason posted above which is only an officer in uniform can stop the car. If they are not in uniform a local unit in uniform will attempt to stop.

HTH

Gareth

[siamblue]

I had this situation about 3 years ago, My friend CBR 900 blade myself R1 were blatting along the A12 past Romford, then all of a sudden this Red Volvo T5 ESTATE pulled alongside me with blue strobes in his front grille, told me to pull over he raced off after my mate he didn't stop either so we pulled into the BP garage in Gants Hill and these 2 plain clothed old bill gave us the biggest rollicking for speeding and alike,
They showed no warrant cars and not one piece of uniform so we thought they must've of been flying squad or some other of detective.

[woof]

had a great one a year or so ago
coming around the M25 / M1 junc - doing 110mph or so
BMW pulls onto the M25 doing about the same

Decided that I'll speed up a bit - both of us now doing 130mph - go past him - then see the blue lights go on in the grill - duh !

Anyway i back off - and pull back to the middle lane - he overtakes me and that was that !
Could of been plod or someone with blue lights in his grill

a mate of mine used to have a black Range rover - with a heavy tint - he used to have blue flashing lights in his grill - worked a treat in traffic apparenetly !