Expert: Dick Rogers - 8/10/2006

Question
I know that there are some types of questions an officer can't ask and that these are related to civil rights. I guess I'm just looking for a basic idea of what these types of questions might be during a routine traffic stop, such as speeding.

For example, is it ok to ask someone what are you doing in this area?

I'm not looking for anything in depth or even a list of specific questions. Maybe more along the lines of a generality... If you could just give me a short answer about what types of questions an officer could not ask during a routine traffic stop.

For example, would it be safe to say that officers can not ask questions during a routine traffic stop that might imply they have to have 'papers' to move from one area to another area?

This has been a large deal in our area lately and I'm just trying to understand what the issue is, a very basic idea.

If you even have a link you can provide to me with the information that would be helpful.
Thanks.  

Answer
Harriet, I'm not sure what you mean when you refer to "papers" to move from one area to another.  Basically, an officer should be sticking to the details of the traffic stop..i.e. speeding in the case you mentioned.  It could be appropriate to ask about what one is doing in an area if it is late at night and there is some suspicions the officer is relying on.  Hope this helps.