Expert: Mark C. Robins - 3/4/2009

Question
Recently as I was coming into the ALberta town I live in, there was apolice officer standing in the middle of the road, in a orange vest. Hi car was to the side of the road and there was no lights flashing. He stood in the middle of the road, held up his hand and stopped me. He proceeded to say to me (4:45 PM) this is a ALberta Checkstop, there was also no signage or other officer or cars, just him. He asked for my drivers and I had left it at home. He ran a check on my name regardless and it came back clean adn that I did have a valid license but proceeded to hand over a ticket for 172.00. I wasn't even given anytime to produce and was only 2 blocks from home. Can an office pull you over, say they are having a checkstop without any signage, lights, standing in the road and not even give you time to produce your documents??

Answer
You can be pulled over by an officer at anytime.
Remember Driving is a Privilege not a right.
As to the time to produce again that is discretionary to the officer.
You by law are supposed to have your lic and all other documents in your possession when you drive.
Having said all of this it is wise to fight all tickets.
you can get a free referral to a lawyer in your area at
www.lawyerlocate.ca