Illegal Traffic Stop by Oconee County Sheriff's Department - Know Your Rights!

In this video, we capture a troubling encounter with the Oconee County Sheriff's Department in South Carolina. Watch as I am pulled over illegally for a supposed "defective tail light." Despite having two functioning brake lights, the deputy insists on the stop, claiming it as probable cause.

In South Carolina, it is legal to drive with at least one operating brake light, making this stop unwarranted and an infringement on my rights. According to the precedent set by the Supreme Court case Heien v. North Carolina, a stop based on a misunderstanding of the law does not constitute probable cause. This video highlights the importance of knowing your legal rights during traffic stops and holding law enforcement accountable.

here is one response from the officer supervisor who is covering for him. as you can see. he states that the officer was behind me at the stop sign

" I spoke with Deputy Butts about this and he was behind you on Friendship Rd. And noticed the brake light not working at the stop sign.

He then had to catch up to you to make the stop, As you can see in statue 56-5-760, it says that an authorized emergency vehicle , when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law can exceed the maximum speed limit if he does not endanger life or property.  On video you can see his speed and he had a max of 55 mph and slowed down to between 40 and 45 mph when he got behind you. 

   The probable cause for the stop was the violation of 56-5-4730. The probable cause was the non-working brake light. It is our duty to enforce state law and the law states all lights must be in working order, 

 Deputy Butts was not in violation of SC state law nor the Oconee County Sheriff's policy. 

​Lieutenant Vince Price"

Even though the supreme Court states that having one tail light out and one functional is not probable cause for a traffic stop. State V. Heien and State V Jihad

Key Details:

Location: Oconee County, SC
Reason for Stop: Alleged defective tail light
Legal Background: In South Carolina, it's legal to drive with one functioning brake light. The Supreme Court case Heien v. North Carolina established that a stop based on a legal misunderstanding is not valid probable cause.
Outcome: This stop was unwarranted and highlights a need for public awareness regarding traffic stop laws.
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