In a case that started with a dangling tag light, the Florida Supreme Court made clear that police officers have broad authority to pull over motorists whose license plates are not fully visible.
The justices, in a 5-2 decision, rejected an appeal from Jermaine D. English, who was stopped by Orlando police because a tag light and wires were hanging down over the license plate on a vehicle he was driving. Evidence found during the stop led to English being charged with possession of cocaine, marijuana and paraphernalia.
