NEWARK, NJ – A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by two New Jersey residents who claimed their constitutional rights were violated when their vehicle was stopped and towed in Leonia for lacking registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. The decision, issued by U.S. District Judge Julien X. Neals, ends the case with prejudice, preventing it from being refiled.
The plaintiffs, identified as Andre Jamel Davis and K.L.D., filed suit against Sergeant Raymond Forsdahl, Officer Brandon McNeil, the Borough of Leonia, and Sano’s Towing after a March 21, 2023 traffic stop. According to court records, Davis was pulled over while driving a black 2023 Toyota 4Runner with plates reading “NATIVE.” Officers said he could not produce a valid license, registration, or insurance card, leading them to detain him and have the vehicle towed.
In their complaint, Davis and his co-plaintiff argued that police had no authority to stop or tow their vehicle, claiming they were exercising their constitutional “right to travel” and were not “driving in commerce.” They sought damages for alleged false arrest, unlawful search and seizure, malicious prosecution, and due process violations.
Judge Neals, in a sharply worded opinion, said the arguments followed a pattern he’s seen in a growing number of filings by so-called “sovereign citizen” litigants who claim immunity from traffic laws. “These arguments are meritless, and the claims fail as a matter of law,” Neals wrote. He noted that both the Leonia police and the towing company acted within their authority under New Jersey law.
Court rejects “sovereign citizen” legal theory
The ruling dismissed all claims against the Leonia defendants and Sano’s Towing, as well as the plaintiffs’ motions for reconsideration and to strike the defense’s reply. Neals said police were justified in conducting the stop because the driver lacked basic documentation required by state law. The judge emphasized that the right to travel does not exempt anyone from vehicle licensing or registration laws.
The lawsuit mirrors a growing number of filings across federal courts in which plaintiffs allege their vehicles were illegally towed or seized following routine traffic stops. In each, the claim that such laws apply only to commercial drivers has been consistently rejected.
• The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, ending all claims
• Plaintiffs argued traffic laws did not apply to them as “private travelers”
• The judge called the case “meritless” and in line with prior failed claims
Federal courts in New Jersey have repeatedly ruled that state licensing and insurance requirements apply to all motorists, regardless of citizenship status or personal beliefs. The opinion reaffirms that municipalities and towing companies are protected when following lawful procedure during vehicle enforcement actions.
For related court filings and rulings, visit federal lawsuit, Leonia Police Department, or Sano’s Towing. To see other recent judicial opinions, check District of New Jersey federal court.