Electromagnetic vehicle disabler system and method

The present invention relates to the stopping of vehicles, and more particularly to such stopping using electromagnetic energy. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to the stopping of self-propelled vehicles using high-current pulses of electromagnetic energy coupled to the vehicle through a direct contact. An electronic vehicle disabler system and method uses a current supply capable of delivering an electrical current to a fleeing or moving vehicle that inhibits self-propelled movement of the vehicle. The electrical current is delivered by establishing a momentary forward current path between the vehicle and the current supply, at the same time that a return current path between the vehicle and current supply is established. The forward and reverse current paths may, e.g., include electrically conductive wires or electrically conductive streams of fluid or gas. The forward and reverse current paths are electrically coupleable to the fleeing vehicle through a variety of direct conductive linkages that are temporarily or permanently laid down on a roadway over which the fleeing vehicle passes, or that are coupled to the fleeing vehicle from a pursuing vehicle.