When a police officer stops you and asks you where you're going?

Question

are you obligated to give him/her an answer.

Answer 1

it depends on what color you are...  

Answer 2

The police have enormous discretionary power.  They can pull you over, search your vehicle, and arrest you for hardly any reason if they choose to.  So if they ask something like where you're going, I suggest you just tell them and not p**s them off.

Answer 3

no.  You may, if you wish.  If you elect not to answer such a simple question that may affect any decision the officer has to make, but once you get in court the jury will be instructed that they cannot draw any inferences from your refusal to answer.

Answer 4

you say "with all due respect......" and then tell them whatever you want.

Answer 5

Ask if you are under arrest.  If he says, "No," then say, "Well, I'd love to sit and chat, but I'm kinda busy.  So, if I'm not under arrest, I think I'll just continue on my way, thank you."

Answer 6

No you don't..

Answer 7

It all just depends on the totality of the circumstances.  There is no simple black and white answer.  Like most things in the law, there's a lot of gray area.

Answer 8

Well it depends on what's going on. You don't have to answer anything but that could also land you a trip to jail for obstruction. It's best to be polite and answer questions. Sometimes it can make the difference in getting a ticket and getting a warning.

Also police do not search your vehicle with out consent, they can look in through the windows. If you are under arrest, then yes they will inventory your vehicle.

Answer 9

It all depends on the circumstances: the time of day/night, the area, the weather, your demeanor/behavior/activity, the goings-on in the area at that time, etc.

So, short answer: maybe.

Best advice: unless you have something to hide (you do have a right to not incriminate yourself), give a brief, polite response.

Answer 10

Yes and No.  If you don't answer, you could be charged with impeding an investigation or obstruction of justice.   You don't know if the officer's asking a question to rule you out as a suspect.

If it's a routine traffic stop and he asks, you don't have to say anything.  He can issue the ticket, you sign, then go.   But, if you don't answer, it could give him probable cause to investigate and hold you longer for your suspicious activity.

If you're doing nothing illegal,  just answer the question!