Stop and Search of Vehicles for Terrorism

Terrorism Act 2000, s.43A

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Allows a constable to stop and search a vehicle if the officer reasonably suspects it is being used for terrorist purposes, or to search for anything that may constitute evidence of terrorism. Inserted by the Terrorism Act 2000 (Remedial) Order 2011.

Conditions

Constable must reasonably suspect the vehicle is being used for the purposes of terrorism
Or that there is something in the vehicle that constitutes evidence of terrorism

Limitations

Power requires individual reasonable suspicion: the former s.44 blanket authority was abolished
Search is of vehicle and persons in it, not of separate premises

Last updated 1 April 2026