Know Before You Go

The right to travel freely between states is a fundamental constitutional right (Shapiro v. Thompson, 1969). Police cannot stop you solely because you crossed from another state.

• At a drug checkpoint: You can ask "Am I being detained?"
• You have the right to refuse consent to a vehicle search
• Refusal alone is not probable cause
• If stopped: Stay calm, provide license/registration, ask "Am I free to go?"

TSA can screen for weapons and explosives. That is their legal mandate. They are not general law enforcement.

• You can opt out of the body scanner — request a pat-down
• TSA cannot search the contents of your phone
• If selected for additional screening: ask why, you can request a witness
• REAL ID required for domestic flights as of May 2025

Riley v. California (2014): Police need a warrant to search your phone. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously.

• At the border: CBP claims broader authority — but you can still refuse consent
• Use a strong PIN at borders, not biometrics (can be compelled)
• Lock your phone before crossing any checkpoint
• If they take your phone: Get a receipt, note serial number, call a lawyer

CBP operates checkpoints up to 100 miles from any U.S. border — including coastlines. That covers approximately 200 million Americans.

• Your 4th Amendment rights still apply inside this zone
• CBP can ask about citizenship — you can state it and stop there
• You do NOT have to answer questions about where you're going
• At a checkpoint: State your citizenship. You can decline other questions.