327Direction to stop vehicle

327 Direction to stop vehicle (1) This section applies if a conservation officer suspects on reasonable grounds that a vehicle, or something in a vehicle, is connected with an offence against this Act. Note In, a vehicle, includes on the vehicle (see dict). Vehicle includes vessel (see dict). (2) The conservation officer may, to exercise a function under division 14.2.2 (Powers of conservation officers), direct the driver of the vehicle to stop the vehicle (a stop vehicle direction)— (a) without delay; or (b) at the nearest place that the vehicle can be safely stopped as indicated by the conservation officer. Note A conservation officer can enter a vehicle stopped under this section (see s 338 (1) (g)) and inspect or examine, etc anything in the vehicle (see s 341). (3) A direction may be given to a driver orally or by means of a sign or signal (electronic or otherwise) or in any other way. (4) A direction to a driver ceases to be operative to the extent that a conservation officer— (a) gives the driver or other person a later inconsistent direction; or (b) indicates to the driver that the direction is no longer operative. (5) However, a conservation officer may direct a vehicle to be stopped only for the amount of time necessary for the conservation officer to exercise the function. connected—see section 337. offence—see section 337.