Getting Pulled Over in Canada vs U.S.

thethinker42 · Jan 1, 2012

Okay, this is probably a dumb question, but I just want to make sure I don't make an equally dumb mistake, so...

My character is getting pulled over on a highway in Canada. It'll be in Alberta, possibly northeastern British Columbia.

Are traffic stops basically the same in Canada as they are in the U.S.? Flashing lights, pull over on the side of the road, officer comes up to the window, "license and registration", etc? Any rules about which window the officer approaches (i.e., in the States, they usually approach the side of the car furthest from traffic...not that I know from experience...)? Also, do they generally run the car's plates to see if it's stolen or anything prior to approaching the vehicle?

Basically, is there anything different about a routine traffic stop in Canada vs in the States?

Sea Witch · Jan 1, 2012

I haven't lived in the states in over 25 years, so I don't know what's routine there, but here in Canada, I've always seen police come to the driver's side window. Yes, they always run the plates. On Friday and Saturday nights (and holidays) big stops are routinely set up in the cities to screen for drunk drivers where almost everyone gets pulled over by several cop cars (at least in Calgary and Vancouver).

My only other comment is that if it's a rural stop, then it's RCMP (federal police) not city police. Once you're out of the big city, there is *only* RCMP.

thethinker42 · Jan 1, 2012

Sea Witch said:
I haven't lived in the states in over 25 years, so I don't know what's routine there, but here in Canada, I've always seen police come to the driver's side window.

Even if the driver's side puts the officer between the vehicle and traffic? I've seen them go either way in the States, but good to know.

My only other comment is that if it's a rural stop, then it's RCMP (federal police) not city police. Once you're out of the big city, there is *only* RCMP.

Oh, good to know. I'm pretty sure this will be out in the BFE, so RCMP it is.

Thanks!

Pyekett · Jan 1, 2012

If your mountie gets to the point of an arrest, there is a summary of rights given (similar to the Miranda spiel, but not quite the same).

Sea Witch · Jan 1, 2012

thethinker42 said:
Even if the driver's side puts the officer between the vehicle and traffic? ......
Thanks!

I guess it's possible, but honestly I've never seen it done.....I think standing on the passenger side puts them at a psychological disadvantage and a physical disadvantage too because then there's no deterrent to the individual just driving away. Also in lots of places, standing on the passenger side means standing in waist high snow :tongue

I have a good friend on the Edmonton force--I could ask him if you like but not today. send me a PM in a couple of days to remind me.

thethinker42 · Jan 1, 2012

Pyekett said:
If your mountie gets to the point of an arrest, there is a summary of rights given (similar to the Miranda spiel, but not quite the same).

Also good to know. Thanks!

thethinker42 · Jan 1, 2012

Sea Witch said:
I guess it's possible, but honestly I've never seen it done.....I think standing on the passenger side puts them at a psychological disadvantage and a physical disadvantage too because then there's no deterrent to the individual just driving away. Also in lots of places, standing on the passenger side means standing in waist high snow I have a good friend on the Edmonton force--I could ask him if you like but not today. send me a PM in a couple of days to remind me.

good to know re: the snow, especially since this IS taking place in the winter. I'll try to remember to PM you. Thanks!

Charles Farley · Jan 1, 2012

Sea Witch said:
My only other comment is that if it's a rural stop, then it's RCMP (federal police) not city police. Once you're out of the big city, there is *only* RCMP.

In Ontario there are at least some levels before you get to RCMP. There is York Region which is funded by taxpayers in the area, Metro cops, Ontario Provincial Police,Brampton, Mississauga,Oakville, Aroura,Pickering at least 20 shops in Toronto . .all dealing with different levels of crime. Traffic stops are provincial unless there is a reason for a Federal charge

ironmikezero · Jan 1, 2012

The location of the stop, description of vehicle, and number of visible occupants is typically communicated to the dispatcher at the moment of the stop. The tag number is run (either by radio or laptop) before the officer approaches the vehicle. He/she then has better idea of what they may be dealing with. Physical positioning at the vehicle is up to the officer's discretion (absent an agency policy to the contrary), but the safety of all parties is paramount.

Tepelus · Jan 1, 2012

thethinker42 said:
Okay, this is probably a dumb question, but I just want to make sure I don't make an equally dumb mistake, so...

My character is getting pulled over on a highway in Canada. It'll be in Alberta, possibly northeastern British Columbia.

Are traffic stops basically the same in Canada as they are in the U.S.? Flashing lights, pull over on the side of the road, officer comes up to the window, "license and registration", etc? Any rules about which window the officer approaches (i.e., in the States, they usually approach the side of the car furthest from traffic...not that I know from experience...)? Also, do they generally run the car's plates to see if it's stolen or anything prior to approaching the vehicle?

Basically, is there anything different about a routine traffic stop in Canada vs in the States?

I've driven through Ontario many times, and thank goodness I've never been pulled over. But here in Ohio, I always see the officer approach the driver on the driver's side of the car, and sometimes, if there is one, a second officer comes to the other side of the car. When someone gets pulled over for a DUI, cops call for back-up and it's not unusual to see two or three cars behind the motorist in question.

Bushrat · Jan 1, 2012

They have also started to ask for proof of citizenship/status inside the country. Maybe it's just the real keeners that ask for it, although the (real keener) who asked me assured me it was standard practice now.

KTC · Jan 1, 2012

I would say the same. They check the plates before they come to the car. Driver's side door. L & R are requested...then they go back to their car and run them.

L.C. Blackwell · Jan 1, 2012

As a reason for the stop... It's not uncommon for tourists on both sides of the border to get their kmph and mph mixed up, especially if the speedometer markings for one or the other are small and hard to read. Now if you have a digital speedometer that tags back and forth with a touch, you've got no excuse.

Getting Pulled Over in Canada vs U.S.

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

Sea Witch

Stirring the word cauldron

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

Pyekett

I need no hot / Words.

Sea Witch

Stirring the word cauldron

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

thethinker42

Abnormal Romance Author

Charles Farley

Bango Skank

ironmikezero

practical experience, FTW

Tepelus

And so...

Bushrat

reaching for the sun

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

L.C. Blackwell

Keeper of Fort Blanket