Failure to obey a police order

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Failure to obey a police officer, failure to obey a police order, or failure to obey a lawful order is a crime in certain jurisdictions.

Contents

Canada

In Canada, the Criminal Code makes it illegal for a motor vehicle driver to disobey an order to stop for a police officer. [1] This includes flight from a peace officer. Such a charge, other than those involving death or bodily harm, can be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment. Flight from police causing injury or death is always indictable, with maximum penalties of 14 years and life imprisonment, respectively. A conviction also comes with a mandatory driver licence suspension by the relevant provincial or territorial Ministry of Transportation (e.g. minimum 5-year suspension of Ontario-wide driving privileges).

United States

In the United States, a failure to obey charge is typically a misdemeanor. For example, in Virginia, it is a misdemeanor to refuse to assist an officer in responding to a breach of the peace [2] or in executing his official duties in a criminal case. [3] In Washington, DC, this law is utilized primarily for purposes of ensuring that officers tasked with directing traffic have the authority to direct motorists and pedestrians in a proper and safe manner. [4]

Sweden

An individual who refuses "to obey an official command" given by a police officer may be charged under the Swedish Criminal Code. [5] It is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of six months. Notable individuals who have been cited under this statute include Greta Thunberg, who was charged 1,500 Swedish krona for her refusal to disperse [6] from a peaceful protest on September 15, 2020.

Germany

Failure to obey a police officer in Germany can result to hefty fines or up to three years in prison. This is under Section 113 of the German Criminal Code. This law covers active efforts or motions to disobey a police officer in some form. The penalty for this in Germany varies depending on the severity of the act. For example the German court has a list of words deemed offensive. [7]

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom failure to obey a police officer could pertain to resisting arrest or failure to comply with police orders which can result in large fines or jail time. If the situation is deemed serious enough the fines and potential jail time could increase in severity. [8]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Branch, Legislative Services (November 17, 2022). "Consolidated federal laws of Canada, Criminal Code". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  2. ↑ § 18.2-464. Failure to obey order of conservator of the peace.
  3. ↑ § 18.2-463. Refusal to aid officer in execution of his office, archived from the original on May 14, 2003
  4. ↑ Final Report Relative to Complaints of Alleged Misconduct Made at the October 24, 2002, Hearing of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Council of the District of Columbia Concerning the IMF/World Bank Protest, archived from the original on October 6, 2010
  5. ↑ Oliver, Amy (2020). "The Swedish Criminal Code" (PDF). Government Offices of Sweden. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Greta Thunberg charged again for disobeying police order". Reuters. September 15, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Resisting Police and other Law Enforcement Officers in Germany". Schlun & Elseven. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Police powers to stop and search, enter private property and seize goods". Citizens Advice. Retrieved September 11, 2025.


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