If you’re wondering about police procedures—or just want some sharp legal insight—this Q&A style episode is packed with answers and practical examples.

Welcome back to Lawyer Talk! In this episode, host Steve Palmer dives into a listener’s question that stirs up plenty of curiosity: Can Ohio police pull you over in an unmarked cruiser?

With law student Troy Henricksen joining in, the conversation covers the legal nuances unique to Ohio, from what counts as a “competent” police witness in traffic court to the reasons behind those uniform and marked cruiser requirements.

Along the way, Steve Palmer unpacks courtroom procedures, shares real-world stories about undercover officers, and gives listeners a deeper understanding of how traffic stops play out under Ohio law.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Uniform + Marked Car = Required for Traffic Patrol: In Ohio, for a police officer’s testimony about a traffic violation to be competent in court, they must have been in uniform and driving a marked cruiser on routine patrol.
2. Undercover Cops Face Limits: Officers working undercover or as part of a task force, driving unmarked cars, are typically not allowed to testify against drivers in routine traffic violation cases.
3. Legal Definitions Matter: Ohio has unique “competency” rules—not just about mental fitness, but specific circumstances like police attire and vehicle—that can make or break a traffic case.

Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Call 614-859-2119 and leave us a voicemail. Steve will answer your question on the next podcast!

Submit your questions to www.lawyertalkpodcast.com.

Recorded at Channel 511.

Stephen E. Palmer, Esq. has been practicing criminal defense almost exclusively since 1995. He has represented people in federal, state, and local courts in Ohio and elsewhere.

Though he focuses on all areas of criminal defense, he particularly enjoys complex cases in state and federal courts.

He has unique experience handling and assembling top defense teams of attorneys and experts in cases involving allegations of child abuse (false sexual allegations, false physical abuse allegations), complex scientific cases involving allegations of DUI and vehicular homicide cases with blood alcohol tests, and any other criminal cases that demand jury trial experience.

Steve has unique experience handling numerous high-publicity cases that have garnered national attention.

For more information about Steve and his law firm, visit Palmer Legal Defense.

Copyright 2025 Stephen E. Palmer - Attorney At Law

Mentioned in this episode:

Circle 270 Media Podcast Consultants

Circle 270 Media® is a podcast consulting firm based in Columbus, Ohio, specializing in helping businesses develop, launch, and optimize podcasts as part of their marketing strategy. The firm emphasizes the importance of storytelling through podcasting to differentiate businesses and engage with their audiences effectively. www.circle270media.com