- Jurisdiction
- California
If I'm pulled over while wearing a realistic silicone face mask while driving that looks very different from my real face, should I take it off before the officer approaches my vehicle or wait until he/she is at my window to explain the situation?
In CA my understanding is that it's legal to wear a realistic silicone face mask while driving (not with the intention to commit or evade any crime or arrest).
Some background: I'm a victim of severe stalking and violence due to mentally ill family members, against whom I have both domestic violence restraining orders and criminal orders. There are pending criminal cases against them at well. I also have a disease that makes my skin sensitive to the sun. I'd like to, in order to help protect my safety, wear a silicone face mask when driving, particularly one that's of a different gender and/or race than my own. I've tried wearing balaclavas but they actually don't protect my eye area as well, and I also get funny looks from other drivers when driving. I'd like to just look "normal."
If I get pulled over, what's a good protocol in this case? I'm a lawful CCW holder as well, so I want to be extra careful I don't freak out law enforcement if I can avoid it.
Also, I have a clean driving record and haven't been pulled in many years, and that was for having my windows tinted, not reckless driving or anything. I have no criminal record.
Thank you.
In CA my understanding is that it's legal to wear a realistic silicone face mask while driving (not with the intention to commit or evade any crime or arrest).
Some background: I'm a victim of severe stalking and violence due to mentally ill family members, against whom I have both domestic violence restraining orders and criminal orders. There are pending criminal cases against them at well. I also have a disease that makes my skin sensitive to the sun. I'd like to, in order to help protect my safety, wear a silicone face mask when driving, particularly one that's of a different gender and/or race than my own. I've tried wearing balaclavas but they actually don't protect my eye area as well, and I also get funny looks from other drivers when driving. I'd like to just look "normal."
If I get pulled over, what's a good protocol in this case? I'm a lawful CCW holder as well, so I want to be extra careful I don't freak out law enforcement if I can avoid it.
Also, I have a clean driving record and haven't been pulled in many years, and that was for having my windows tinted, not reckless driving or anything. I have no criminal record.
Thank you.