Smog Patrol Pulled Me Over
I was driving down the street with my seatbelt on and within the speed limit. I noticed flashing lights come up behind me and it appeared as though it was a police car. I pulled safely over to the side of the road. An "officer" approached my car and asked for my license, insurance and registration, he also asked me to "pop the hood". I asked why he was pulling me over and he said some spiel about being the Ministry of Environment and conducting a random SMOG emissions test. They didn't do anything under my hood, didn't look under my car, nothing. Instead, he called local police to alert them that I was driving while under suspension and did not return my ID for over 30 minutes. He waited until the local officer arrived on scene to take over. I heard the officer talking to the MOE person and he asked how the guy knew my license was suspended? The MOE guy said he randomly ran my plate while driving behind me.
I completely realize it was against the law to drive while my license was under suspension. But was it legal for the ministry of the environment, "Smog Patrol", to run my plate and to detain me until an officer arrived? Thanks for help!