Stop and Search of Vehicles in Authorised Areas

Terrorism Act 2000, s.47A (replacing former s.44)

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

Where a senior police officer has given an authorisation under section 47A (which replaced the former section 44 following the Gillan and Quinton judgment), a constable in uniform may stop and search a vehicle in the specified area for articles that could be used in connection with terrorism. The authorisation must be necessary to prevent an act of terrorism and must specify the area and duration.

Conditions

A senior officer (assistant chief constable or commander) must authorise the power under s.47A
The authorisation must be confirmed by the Secretary of State within 48 hours
The constable must be in uniform
The officer need not have reasonable suspicion regarding the specific vehicle

Limitations

Authorisations must be necessary to prevent an act of terrorism: they may not be used routinely
The Secretary of State must confirm the authorisation within 48 hours or it lapses
The power must be exercised in the specified geographical area only

Last updated 24 September 2026