Do you have to answer the police?
Most of the time you do not have to answer police questions. But in a few situations the law says you must answer. In those situations refusing is a crime.
- Most of the time you do not have to answer police questions.
- Most of the time you do not have to give your name and address.
- But there are a few situations where the law says you must answer.
- If you refuse to answer in those situations it is a crime.
- At a port or airport you must answer the officer’s questions.
- At a port or airport you have no right to stay silent.
- A police officer in uniform can tell you to give your name and address. They can do this if they think you have been anti-social.
- If they ask this way you must give your name and address.
- If police give you a formal written notice asking for a password you must give it.
- You do not have to answer questions in a police interview.
- Staying silent about something you later rely on in court can be held against you.
- If you are arrested you can ask for a free solicitor. It costs nothing.
This is the short and simple version.
The full page has more detail. It also shows the law each point comes from.
Checked 2026-08-26. This is information, not legal advice.