Michigan Police Can Lawfully Stop Vehicles Based on No Insurance Flag in LEIN System,Court Rules
Lansing,MI – Michigan law enforcement officers can initiate a traffic stop if a Law Enforcement Details Network (LEIN) check reveals a vehicle does not have valid insurance,according to a 2018 Michigan Court of Appeals decision. This practice, while not universally codified in departmental policy, has been affirmed as a legally permissible basis for a stop, offering clarity for both officers and drivers.
The ruling in People v. Mazzie (#343380, October 23, 2018) established that information from LEIN indicating a lack of insurance provides police with ”at least a reasonable suspicion” to investigate further. Michigan law requires vehicle owners to maintain insurance,and the court found that a LEIN flag suggesting non-compliance justifies a brief detention to verify insurance status. While individual police departments may have varying internal policies regarding the use of LEIN for insurance checks, the Court of Appeals decision provides a legal foundation for such stops statewide.
The case underscores the importance of maintaining current vehicle insurance coverage in Michigan. A traffic stop based solely on a LEIN indication of no insurance is permissible under the Fourth Amendment, possibly leading to citations and further legal consequences for uninsured drivers.
Anyone injured in an automobile crash in Michigan can contact Michigan Auto Law for a free consultation at (800) 968-1001 or through their website at https://www.michiganautolaw.com/.
