Anger, fear, embarrassment, and frustration are some of the different emotions you may experience when the police pull you over.You need to respond appropriately for your own safety.If you feel that the stop was unjust, you should fight the ticket in court and not discuss it with the police.You can respectfully refuse to give the police consent to search your car.During the traffic stop, be respectful, do not offer any additional information, and keep your hands visible at all times.
Step 1: Pull it over.
It is important to pull over as soon as possible if the car you are driving is a police car.Make your way to the right-hand side of the road by using your turn signals.Do not slam on the brakes or speed up.It may appear that you are trying to get away when you pull into the left-hand lane.
Step 2: The car needs to be turned off.
When you pull over, turn on the internal light, put your window down, and turn off the car.When your window is down, put your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the police to approach you.Police officers are concerned about their own safety when they approach your car.By placing your hands on the steering wheel and turning the light on, you are alleviating some level of fear that an officer may have as they approach your car.Don't make any unnecessary movements.The officer may think that you are trying to hide something illegal or that their life is at risk.
Step 3: Provide your license and other documents.
If the officer approaches your window, he or she may ask for your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance.Let the officer know if you have paperwork in your bag, glove compartment or pocket.Pass your documents through the partially opened window after the officer gives his or her permission.You should not leave the vehicle unless you are told to by the officer.
Step 4: Don't be disrespectful.
It is important that you remain calm and treat the police officer with respect, even if you feel frustrated, angry, frightened, or both.The police should not be allowed to extend the traffic stop any longer than is necessary.You shouldn't touch the police officer or flee from them.Do not fight the police.If you place your hands on them, you can be charged with a crime.Minor resistance is not a felony.
Step 5: Don't speak first.
The officer should approach the car and let them take the lead in the stop.They are most likely to ask for your license and car registration.If the documents are not readily accessible, tell the officer where they are located and ask for permission to retrieve them.
Step 6: Give non-committal responses.
When an officer approaches your car, it is best to give a short answer or not answer at all.You shouldn't argue with the police officer.Both you and any passengers have the right to remain silent.Tell the officer that you are asserting your right to remain silent.Some questions may be asked.If the officer asks, "Do you know why I pulled you over?", it is best to reply with a simple "no."If the officer tells you how fast she or he thinks you are going, do not argue but instead say something like "I see" or "No".
Step 7: Comply with the law.
Your driver's license, proof of insurance and registration can be seen by police officers during a traffic stop.You have to comply with the police if they ask for these items.You don't have to give the police permission to search your car or give them any additional verbal responses.If the police ask you to leave your car, do you mind if they look in it, but you can respectfully refuse.
Step 8: Don't give consent to search your car.
Police officers will search your car.You should refuse.If the officer states that he or she has probable cause to search your car, they are justified in doing so.Do not argue if the police officer orders you out of the car.Since you have already refused consent to search the car, a lawyer can challenge the search on legal grounds should you decide to pursue the case.If the officer asks you to step out of the car, he or she may pat you down to make sure you are not carrying a weapon.Don't act aggressive or resist the pat down.
Step 9: Ask if you can go somewhere else.
If the officer doesn't issue you a ticket but does not make a move to do so, you can respectfully ask if you are allowed to leave.Unless you are under arrest or the officer is preparing your ticket, you have the right to leave the location.
Step 10: If arrested, remain silent.
If your traffic stop leads to an arrest, don't say anything to the police.The police may refuse to say anything.
Step 11: Do not allow a search.
You can refuse to allow the police to search your car.If the police have probable cause to believe that there is a crime in your car, they don't need your consent to search it.You have to step out of your car if the police tell you to.You gave your consent for the officer to search your car.They have probable cause.The officer has a reasonable fear for his or her safety and therefore searches your car for a hidden weapon.The officer has a search warrant.An officer can search your car after an arrest.
Step 12: You can record or film a traffic stop.
You can film a traffic stop, but you can't interfere with the officer.Do not place the camera in the officer's face.
Step 13: If your stop seems too long, ask to leave.
The police can pull you over and detain you, but they don't have the right to hold you for a long time.You can ask the officer when you will be able to leave if he hasn't given you a reason why the process is taking so long.
Step 14: Don't answer questions.
You have the right to refuse to answer police questions.You are not legally required to answer questions if they are unrelated to the traffic stop.
Step 15: Request information about the officer.
If you feel that your civil rights have been violated, you have the right to request the police officer's name and badge number.
Step 16: Don't remove your seatbelt.
If you have a concealed weapon carry permit and you are armed during a traffic stop, you need to take steps to put the officer at ease.Keep your hands on the steering wheel as you turn the interior light on.You put the officer at ease by having your hands visible.
Step 17: Inform the officer of your weapon and permit.
When the officer approaches the car, calmly state: "I have a permit to carry concealed and I am currently carrying concealed."If you say that you have a gun, the officer may think you are making a threatening statement.Some states do not require you to report a concealed weapon.It may be the safest option since there is no misunderstanding during the rest of the traffic stop.State-by-state laws regarding concealed weapons can be found at http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com.
Step 18: Do not move until the officer tells you to.
When you inform the officer of your weapon and permit, don't move until he gives you specific directions.The officer has time to collect his or her thoughts and the situation will proceed calmly.Don't gesture or move towards your weapon.When the officer tells you what to do, keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Step 19: Obey the officer's directions.
The officer may give you directions about your weapon and permit.You should get out of the car if you think the officer is overreacting.Failure to listen can quickly lead to a traffic stop.