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Question Details: During a roadside stop, a police officer requests my name. I stated it clearly. The police officer asked me to spell it. Am I legally required to do so? What about my address or occupation?
Filed under Criminal Law | 2391 View(s)
Community Law Wellington & Hutt Valley
When a uniformed Police officer stops a vehicle that you are driving, you are legally required to give the officer your full name, full address, date of birth, occupation, and telephone number.
The law doesn't specifically say that you're required to spell your name, but it is probably in your best interests to assist with this, for two reasons:
(1) The Police can continue to detain you for as long as it takes to verify your identity (this can be for up to 15 minutes).
(2) Not spelling your name would probably be futile anyway - if the Police officer asks, you're also required to produce your driver's licence, which will presumably have the correct spelling of your name.
Note also that it's a criminal offence to give a Police officer false or misleading information - for example, if you deliberately spelt your name wrong, you could be convicted and fined.
Answered 22 Feb 2013. The IMPORTANT NOTICE below is part of this answer.
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