If a passenger gives a false name, can he or she be arrested?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only with a warrant
• D. Only if another offense is suspected

Answer: (A)

Lying to a law enforcement officer about your identity is typically itself a crime and can obstruct an investigation. Because of that, an officer can arrest someone who knowingly provides a false name during a stop or investigation, even without another offense being present. A warrant isn’t required for this, since the act creates probable cause for arrest, and the false-identification conduct can be a standalone offense (or lead to charges such as false information or obstruction).