Vehicle Code § 31 – False Statements or Information to Police
Vehicle Code § 31 states, “No person shall give, either orally or in writing, information to a peace officer while in the performance of his duties under the provisions of this code when such person knows that the information is false.”
This means that it is a crime to lie to a police officer. This includes providing false information in writing to a police officer.
What counts as a violation of Vehicle Code § 31?
- Handing a police officer a fake driver’s license.
- Using your computer to create fake insurance documents, or to change your real insurance documents.
- Using someone else’s driver’s license.
What is the punishment for a violation of Vehicle Code § 31?
A violation of Vehicle Code § 20 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in prison , fine of up to $1,000, or both.
What defenses are available for a violation of Vehicle Code § 31?
Mistake or accident is a defense to a charge under Vehicle Code § 31. For example, a man is pulled over for speeding and tells the police officer that he has valid car insurance. The man will not be found guilty under Vehicle Code § 31 if he was not aware that his car insurance had just expired.
