Pulled Over or Asked to Unlock Your Phone? Know Your Rights.
Irish in Motion: Connecting Irish communities with care, insight, and support.
Whether you’re behind the wheel or passing through a border checkpoint, encounters with law enforcement can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure of your rights. But knowledge is power, and preparation is protection.
As part of the Irish in Motion campaign, we’re sharing simple, clear information to help you and your loved ones feel safer and more confident during these moments. Here’s what every immigrant, visa holder, or traveler should know about being stopped in a car or asked to unlock a personal device.
If You’re Pulled Over in a Car
If you’re stopped while driving, follow these key steps:
- Turn off the car, stay inside, and turn on your overhead light
- Wait for the officer to approach – stay calm and respectful
- Only roll your window down partially if you prefer
- Provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance if asked
That’s it.
What you DO NOT have to do:
- You are NOT required to answer questions about your immigration or citizenship status
- You are NOT required to say where you were born or how you entered the U.S.
- You should NOT lie or provide false documents
- You do NOT have to give consent to a search of your vehicle
A law enforcement officer may search your vehicle if they have a warrant or probable cause that a crime or offense is being committed. This includes your glove compartment, trunk, and any bags or containers inside your car.
Passengers also have rights:
- They do not have to show ID
- They may choose to remain silent
- They can leave the vehicle if the officer permits it
Remaining calm, clear, and quiet is often the best course of action.
If You’re Asked to Unlock Your Phone or Laptop
In today’s world, our phones and digital devices hold our entire lives—messages, photos, contacts, documents. What happens when a border agent or law enforcement officer wants to access them?
Here’s what you need to know:
Inside the U.S.:
Law enforcement can only search your phone, laptop, or tablet with your consent,a valid warrant, or probable cause
At the border (arriving or departing the U.S.):
- Immigration officials only need reasonable suspicion to search your device
- This means they have more freedom to inspect electronics at airports or border crossings
Refusing to unlock your device? Your rights depend on your status.
U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders
- You cannot be denied reentry to the U.S. for refusing to unlock a device or share a password
Visa Holders and Visitors
- You can be denied entry for refusing to unlock your device
Devices include phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, USB drives, and more. If you’re traveling with digital equipment, be thoughtful about what’s stored on them and whether you want to back up or secure sensitive information before crossing a border.
Be Informed. Stay Protected.
We believe your safety starts with information. These are rights worth knowing, repeating, and sharing. And when we prepare together, we stand together.
Disclaimer
The information on this website has been prepared for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.
Irish in Motion is the Coalition's national initiative to ensure Irish immigrants and their families have access to trusted information, legal resources, and a strong community of support.
Clear information leads to confident decisions.
From understanding visa options to preparing for life changes, we help people make informed choices, grounded in accuracy and care. The Coalition combines national coordination with local connections to offer consistent, up-to-date guidance across the country.
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