IANAL, but my understanding is that you can't be detained (or rather a traffic stop cannot be extend) to wait for a drug dog [0]. Already you should have been a

IANAL, but my understanding is that you can't be detained (or rather a traffic stop cannot be extend) to wait for a drug dog [0]. Already you should have been able to leave. Additionally, the "no, you're free to go" bit sounds like an officer trying to find a loophole, since the standard for whether or not you're being detained is if a reasonable person would assume they were free to go. Despite the officer telling you that you were free to go, I suspect most people in the middle of no where without a car would not assume they truly were. Plus, calling your car "evidence" at that point is a bit... weird. [0] http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/13-9972_p8k0.pdf http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/13-9972_p8k0.pdf