Unlawful Traffic Stops Canada

Summary

In New Brunswick, police must have a valid reason for traffic stops and cannot base them on race or ethnicity. You can ask for the reason for the stop and file a complaint if you believe it was unlawful. Police can stop vehicles based on reasonable suspicion, which must be supported by objective facts like erratic driving or visible violations.

Full Conversation

New Brunswick
Unlawful traffic stops in New Brunswick can be a serious issue. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Police must have a valid reason to stop your vehicle.
- They cannot stop you based on race, ethnicity, or other discriminatory reasons.
- You have the right to ask why you were stopped.
- If you believe the stop was unlawful, you can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Police Commission.
Do you have any specific details about your traffic stop?
Examples of a unlawful traffic stop
Unlawful traffic stops can occur under various circumstances. Here are some examples specific to New Brunswick:
- Stopping a vehicle without a valid reason.
- Racial profiling or stopping based on ethnicity.
- Failure to provide a clear reason for the stop.
- Prolonging the stop without cause.
Do you have any specific details about your traffic stop that you can share?
Can police make a traffic stop based on suspicion in Canada
In Canada, police can make a traffic stop based on reasonable suspicion. Here are the key points:
- Reasonable suspicion must be based on objective, discernible facts.
- Mere hunches or vague suspicions aren't enough.
- The stop must be related to the enforcement of traffic laws or public safety.
Do you have any specific concerns or details about your experience?
Example of objective or discernible facts
Objective or discernible facts refer to concrete, observable evidence that can justify a police officer's suspicion or action during a traffic stop. Here are some examples:
- Erratic driving behavior (e.g., weaving between lanes).
- Visible vehicle violations (e.g., broken taillight).
- Matching the description of a vehicle involved in a reported crime.
Do you have any specific details about the traffic stop you experienced?