If you do not follow a direction under section 117(1), you can get in trouble. You must have a good reason for not following the direction. If you do not have a good reason, you might go to prison for up to 3 months.

If you are stopped and detained under section 118(1), you must stay where you are. Leaving without a good reason is against the law. You could go to prison for up to 3 months if you leave without a good reason.

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This page was last updated on 24 May 2025

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM2136892.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Criminal lawCrime and justice > Police and safety

175: False application for examination order, production order, search warrant, surveillance device warrant, or declaratory order, or

"Lying on an application for a search or surveillance order can get you in trouble"

177: Offences relating to stopping vehicles, or

"Breaking the law when an officer asks you to stop your vehicle can get you in trouble"

Part 4General provisions in relation to search, surveillance, and inspection powers
Offences

176Leaving search location in breach of direction

Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months who, without reasonable excuse,—
fails to comply with a direction under section 117(1) (special powers where application for search warrant pending); or
leaves any place or vehicle at which he or she is detained under section 118(1).