Know your rights

This is designed to provide general information only. If specific legal advice is required, the services of a competent legal advisor should be sought.

You don’t have to

• go with the Police to a Police Station (unless you’ve been arrested and informed of the charge or have given a positive reading on a roadside breath test).
• take part in a Police line-up or in any recorded interview.
• provide a handwriting sample.

If the Police have reasonable grounds to suspect that

• the vehicle in which you’re travelling has been involved in a serious offence, they have the right to search the vehicle and request the name and address of the driver and any of the passengers.
• you have a dangerous implement, they have the right to search you.
• you’ve been involved in a serious offence, they have the right to request your name and address.
• You should not make any statement, say or sign anything (except in traffic matters), until you’ve spoken to your lawyer.

In traffic matters you must

• supply your name and address and the name of the driver
• show your licence and submit to a breath test if requested.

In case of an accident you must also

• stop and render assistance
• supply brief particulars of the crash if asked by a Police officer

You must

• obey any reasonable direction the Police may give you if you’re in or near a public place and the Police consider your behaviour intimidating, harassing, obstructive, or causing fear to another person.

Disclaimer - This article is offered for general information purposes only. It is not offered as and does not constitute specific legal advice or opinion. The accuracy of the information is not guaranteed. You should not act or rely upon any of the information contained within this article without seeking the advice of a qualified solicitor who specialises in the particular area of expertise and jurisdiction that you require.