If a police officer stops or searches a vehicle, they can make the vehicle stay stopped. This is for as long as they need to use their powers to check the vehicle. They can also use their powers to check the people in the vehicle.

The officer gets to decide how long the vehicle needs to stay stopped. They must only keep the vehicle stopped for a reasonable amount of time. This time is based on how long it takes to use their powers for the vehicle and its occupants.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

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=DLM4355802.

Topics:

Crime and justice > Police and safetyRights and equality > Privacy

127: Search warrants to enter and search vehicles, or

"Police can search a vehicle if they have a warrant and think it's at a certain place."

129: Duty to provide information, or

"When stopped by an officer, they must tell you who they are and why they stopped you."

Part 4General provisions in relation to search, surveillance, and inspection powers
Carrying out search powers: Duty to remain stopped

128Duty to remain stopped

If an enforcement officer exercises a power to stop or search a vehicle, the enforcement officer may require the vehicle to remain stopped for as long as is reasonably necessary for the exercise of any powers in respect of—
the vehicle; or
the occupants of the vehicle.