Can A Cop Driving In Front Of You Legally Pull You Over In NJ?

Confession Time: the beginning years of my driving career were messy ones.

Accidents, tickets and violations popped up all over the place. No, my parents were not happy.

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So I will jump at any chance I get to spread some knowledge regarding rules on our New Jersey roads.

A friend of mine and I were recently driving on the Garden State Parkway when I spotted a cop.

"Woahhh...slow up. We don't have time to get pulled over...my appointment is in 15 minutes," I said.

"We're good. The cop is in front of us so they can't pull us over," she responded.

On one hand it made sense. How can they pull you over if you are not in their clear sight line. But then again.....I doubted if this thought process made sense so it got me curious.

So I decided to reach out to one of New Jersey's best, Chief Mitchell A. Little of the Toms River Police Department, to ask: Can a cop who is driving in front of you legally pull you over in New Jersey?

Before I give you his answer, let me further explain what I mean with a visual in case it is not clear.

On the right side of the highway, you see an officer driving in the far, right lane.

My question for Mitch was: Could this specific police car legally pull over the black, red, light blue or dark blue cars even though they are positioned BEHIND the cop car?

The answer is....YES.

"Regardless of your vehicle position and how it relates to the position of an officer's vehicle, violations can be observed," explained Mitch Little.
"Anything that can be seen through the front of the officer's vehicle can also be seen from the rear through their rear-view mirror or side mirrors," continued Little. "So an officer spots a vehicle speeding, making an improper lane change, running a red light, tailgating or any other violation, they have every right to pull you over."

Long story short, you should be driving safely and following the law at all times. But try not to worry too much because officers still need a "reasonable reason" to stop you.

Mitch....thanks for clearing that up.

And to my friend....I TOLD YOU SO!

Do yourself a favor: drive the speed limit and always be aware of your surroundings. You'll save yourself a lot of time and money.

Easier said than done, I know, especially coming from someone who gets distracted by sparkles...but just do the best you can.

Stay safe all.

Nicole S Murray

And now for other incidents with the law that will shock you: