In South Carolina, it is against the law for a motor vehicle driver to not stop for a police vehicle with blue lights on. This is a misdemeanor offense and can result in fines, jail time, and a suspended license.
When an officer signals for a driver to pull over with their blue lights from an authorized emergency police vehicle, the driver must stop immediately and safely considering road conditions. Not stopping for blue lights can lead to criminal consequences.
An officer needs a valid reason, like witnessing a traffic violation or receiving reports of suspicious activity, to make a traffic stop. If you think the officer doesn't have a valid reason, still pull over and politely explain your position. Refusing to obey an officer can lead to more charges.
If you're stopped for not stopping for blue lights on an authorized emergency vehicle, contact a criminal defense attorney from Touma Law Group right away. They can review your case and provide legal advice. It's important to have an experienced Columbia defense attorney who can help you in court. Call our office at (864) 618-2323 to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Failure to Stop for Blue Lights in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, it is illegal for a motorist to fail to stop for blue lights. Blue lights are flashing signals that denote an emergency vehicle is approaching with the intent of stopping other vehicles on the road. Failing to stop for blue lights in South Carolina carries serious consequences, including fines and jail time.
When law enforcement officer activates their blue lights, they are indicating that they want a vehicle to pull over and stop. Drivers must comply immediately and safely bring their vehicles to a complete stop. Failing to do so is considered a misdemeanor offense and can result in criminal charges.
How Does South Carolina Define a Law-Enforcement Vehicle?
In South Carolina, a law enforcement vehicle is defined as any motor vehicle that is owned and operated by a police or sheriff's department, or any other public safety agency. This includes vehicles that are used for patrol, investigation, emergency response, and search and rescue operations. These vehicles must have an emergency light bar installed to be considered law enforcement vehicles. Additionally, the lights on these vehicles must be visible from a distance of 500 feet.
When Is It Illegal to Fail to Stop for Blue Lights?
In South Carolina, it is illegal to fail to stop for blue lights when you are directed to do so by a law enforcement officer. Drivers must pull over immediately and wait for further instructions when they see an officer signaling them with blue flashing lights. Failing to yield to a police officer's command is considered a serious violation of the law and could result in serious penalties such as fines, jail time, and suspension of driving privileges.
It is important to note that an officer must have probable cause or a reasonable suspicion of criminal activity before they can make a traffic stop. This means that the officer needs a valid reason for making the stop, such as witnessing a traffic violation or having received reports of suspicious activity. Refusing to obey an officer's orders can result in additional criminal charges.
Penalties for Failure to Stop for Blue Lights
In South Carolina, failure to stop for blue lights carries serious penalties. This is because disregarding the request of a law enforcement officer can put the safety of both officers and citizens in jeopardy. Disobeying a blue light can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
If a driver fails to stop for blue lights without causing harm, they may receive a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, fines of up to $500, and a potential suspension of their driver's license for six months. However, if someone is injured or killed due to not stopping for blue lights, they could face felony charges with much more severe consequences, including up to 10 years in prison and fines totaling $10,000 or more.
Possible Defenses for Failing to Stop for Police
Failing to stop police in South Carolina can result in serious criminal consequences. In South Carolina, it is illegal for a driver to fail to stop when signaled by blue lights or an audible siren from a law enforcement vehicle. If convicted of this crime, the driver could face up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
If you've been charged with failing to stop for police, get a lawyer ASAP. They'll review your case and advise on what to do. Depending on the circumstances, common defenses to this charge include:
- The driver did not see or hear the officer’s signal
- The driver was not given enough time to stop
- The driver had a medical emergency
- The driver was pulled over without probable cause
- The officer did not have his/her blue lights activated
What to Do if You Get Charged With Failure to Stop for Blue Lights
If you are charged with failure to stop for emergency police vehicle lights in South Carolina, it is important to take the charge seriously. This offense can result in substantial fines and jail time if convicted. It is therefore essential to seek legal advice as soon as possible and to know the rights that you have under state law.
First, it is important to understand that when an officer activates their blue lights, you must stop your vehicle. This means that you must pull over immediately and wait for further instructions from the officer.
An officer must have probable cause before making a traffic stop. If you believe the officer lacked sufficient grounds to pull you over, you can challenge the evidence in court. This may result in reduced or dismissed charges.
If you're charged with failing to stop for blue lights in South Carolina, hire a knowledgeable Columbia traffic defense attorney from Touma Law Group. They'll review your case, give advice, and protect your rights in trial.