Can the cops really commandeer our vehicles when they’re in pur

[Ro_Laren]

On TV and in the movies, you commonly see cops that are in pursuit of a suspect that need a vehicle. They’ll go up to a civilian in their car, pull out their badge, and demand that the driver move over to another seat or get out of the car so that the cop can use it to pursue a suspect. Is this really legal? Do we really have to give up our car to law enforcement / federal agents / the military when they ask for it??? Or is this all Hollywood?

 

[SmoothieX]

If they could, they wouldn't want my old piece of shit.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

It's probably just Hollywood BS.

 

[B.J.]

Short answer: yes. The details vary due to local laws, but for the most part, they can do that. However, it's *extremely* rare, so much so that it's practically nonexistent.

 

[Trekker4747]

Doing some quick checking it seems that yes they can but it's pretty rare.

 

[Chaos Descending]

It's one of those things were the answer is "Yes they can" but if they actually did so, odds are they'd be so open to a lawsuit that it doesn't ever pay to do it.

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Actually, if they're acting pursuant to their legal duties, they are going to be immune to a lawsuit. There are plenty of reasons why they won't do this, not the least being that convincing somebody that they have to do this would take a long time and, by that point, the bad guy would get away.

 

[clint g]

As a matter of fact, foot posts in NYC on occasion do commandeer taxis/cabs/city buses to go to serious emergencies (serious being a cop is being attacked). Haven't heard of anyone commandeering a regular car though but I imagine its happened before.

 

[ares93]

I suppose it depends on where you live. I'm pretty sure that the German police is allowed to commandeer cars, because I've seen them do it. I think the Brits are allowed too. That law was removed, but a few years ago the Hungarian police was only allowed to drive police registered vehicles (RXX-XXX registration number). Finland, Sweden and Norway have pretty strict regulations what cops are allowed to drive. And even if they're theoretically allowed, it wouldn't do them any good because the permission to screw the traffic laws only apply to emergency vehicles (not that it ever stopped them) and civilian vehicles lack the sirens/warning lights.

The same thing applies to ambulance personnel. My mate lost his license when he drove his wife to the hospital because he was driving his personal car, not an ambulance, regardless of the fact that he was on the job and he was in uniform.

 

[clint g]

The same thing applies to ambulance personnel. My mate lost his license when he drove his wife to the hospital because he was driving his personal car, not an ambulance, regardless of the fact that he was on the job and he was in uniform.

Woah, that's a bit harsh. For the most part, medical emergencies are considered an acceptable defense for vehicle and traffic law violations in the US.

 

[ares93]

The same thing applies to ambulance personnel. My mate lost his license when he drove his wife to the hospital because he was driving his personal car, not an ambulance, regardless of the fact that he was on the job and he was in uniform.

Woah, that's a bit harsh. For the most part, medical emergencies are considered an acceptable defense for vehicle and traffic law violations in the US.

That's not the worst of it. He still had a few months left of the two year trial period, so he didn't just temporary lose it. He had to retake it. Also, a license is a requirement for a paramedic. You'd think that the fact that he graduated third in a class of 29 in the advanced driving course would get him out of a reckless driving charge. Its not like he's an 18 year old with a fresh license, a supercharged car and heavy right foot. He actually knows how to drive.

Well this is the Swedish justice system for ya'. On the other hand, if they catch a car thief, driving the stolen car, they release him. "Not clear if a crime has been committed" I honestly don't know if I should laugh or cry.