Can I be stopped by the police at random?

[retrochoir]

A few years ago I was stopped by the police because they said my passenger was not wearing a seatbelt. However, my passenger WAS wearing a seatbelt so I questioned their legal right to stop me.

The advised me they can stop drivers on a random basis.

Is this true?

[Ethel]

The police have the power to stop any vehicle at any time without giving a reason. If you fail to do so, you are committing a criminal offence.

They must have reasonable suspicion to search a vehicle , however.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/powers/roa d-traffic/

[Reverandfunk]

If police couldn't stop people at random, how would they run their drink drive campaigns at christmas????

If you've done nothing wrong what do you have to fear??

[retrochoir]

Reverandfunk - If you read my question you will see that I was not doing anything wrong because my passenger was wearing a seatbelt.

I for one believe that random stops are an invasion of my privacy.

You say I shouldnt have anything to be worried about if I havent done anything wrong.

My point is that if I havent done anything wrong, why should I be stopped in the first place? (one question mark is usually enough for me)