What is the scope of road checks under S4 PACE?

• A. A road check may be used to ascertain if a vehicle is carrying a person who has committed an indictable offence other than a road offence, a person who witnesses an offence, someone intending to commit an offence, and a person at large
• B. To check only license status
• C. To seize all occupants' phones
• D. To issue instant fines for any minor offences

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that road checks under Section 4 PACE are a proactive tool for preventing and detecting crime on the roads. They are not just about paperwork; they authorize officers to stop and search on a road to work out whether someone on or around the road has involved themselves with an offence, is about to commit one, or is a person of interest such as a witness, or a person at large. This scope covers occupants of a vehicle who may have committed an indictable offence (not just road offences), people who could witness an offence, someone who intends to commit an offence, and a person at large.

That’s why this option is the best: it reflects the broad purpose of road checks to identify and intervene with persons connected to potential crimes, rather than limiting the power to license checks, seizing phones indiscriminately, or handing out instant fines for minor offences.