Is it True That Cops Are Only Allowed to Follow You for Two Turns?

Imagine you're driving and suddenly you see a police car following you for two turns.

Have you ever thought, "Am I about to get pulled over? Is something wrong with my car?" or even, "Is the police officer possibly following someone else instead?" If you've ever wondered about these questions, you're not alone. The concept of the "two-turn rule" or "two-lap rule" has been a topic of widespread speculation and misunderstanding. Let's debunk this myth and explore the true facts and regulations surrounding police vehicle following.

The Actual Law and Rules

Firstly, it is important to clarify that there is no nationwide law that strictly limits the number of turns a police officer can follow a suspect vehicle. This belief is a common misconception, often perpetuated by law enforcement myths and urban legends. In reality, the extent to which a police officer can follow a suspect vehicle is determined by the specific circumstances and laws of each jurisdiction.

According to the National Institute of Justice, a U.S. government-funded research organization, there is no universal two-turn rule. While some local jurisdictions and states have set their own restrictions, the federal government does not mandate a specific number of turns a pursuing officer can take before being required to act.

State-Specific Regulations

While there is no federal mandate, some states do impose time or distance limits on when an officer can initiate a traffic stop. For instance, in California, a bill introduced in 2021 aimed to require police officers to issue a warning and give drivers additional time to pull over after following them for a period of two minutes.

However, these state-specific laws are not universally applied and do not create a blanket two-turn rule. Police officers can follow a vehicle for as long or as short a time as needed, provided they have a reasonable suspicion that a traffic or criminal offense has occurred.

Reasons for Police Following

Police officers may follow a vehicle for several reasons. Here are some common scenarios:

Suspicion of Criminal Activity: If there is probable cause to believe that a vehicle is involved in criminal activity, an officer may follow the vehicle for an extended period to gather evidence and ensure that the driver is stopped in a safe location.

License Plate Check: An officer may run a license plate and follow a vehicle to verify the information. If the vehicle is registered to an address where they suspect illegal activity, they may follow for a longer period until they can confirm and act accordingly.

Pursuit: In a high-risk pursuit, officers may follow a vehicle even across jurisdictional boundaries. The pursuit is a last resort and is justified when the officer believes it is necessary to prevent a more significant crime from occurring.

What to Do If You Think You Are Being Followed

While it's natural to feel anxious when followed by a police vehicle, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety and address any concerns:

Stay Calm: It's important to remain composed. Most officers will not act on minor suspicions and will give you an opportunity to pull over if they have a legitimate reason.

Use Safe Maneuvers: If you feel unsafe, pull over to a safe location where you can open your window and communicate with the officer. Inform the officer that you noticed them and are curious about why they are following you.

File a Complaint: If you feel the officer is being overly aggressive or harassing you, you can file a formal complaint with the appropriate department. Ensure you document the encounter and provide any necessary evidence.

Conclusion

The belief in a "two-turn rule" is a widespread misconception. In reality, police officers are not restricted to following a suspect vehicle for a set number of turns. The length of follow depends on the circumstances and the jurisdiction. Understanding these laws can help preempt any unnecessary anxiety and ensure you comply with the law if asked to stop.

Remember, if you're ever followed by a police car without just cause, contact your local police department or your supervisor and lodge a formal complaint. This ensures your safety and holds law enforcement accountable to the proper guidelines.