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What to do During a Traffic Stop
First and foremost, stay calm, lower your driver side window and stay put while the police officer approaches you. Do not be surprised if the officer approaches on the passenger side of the vehicle. They often do this to avoid being hit by passing traffic. Keep your hands on the steering wheel in plain view. Turn off your engine and put the ignition key on the dash. This will allow the officer to feel safe and not worry that you might accidentally back over them or take off. If it is dark outside, turn on your inside light so that the officer will be able to see inside your vehicle. Doing this allows the officer to be assured that there is no danger to him or her. In the minds of most officers, any traffic stop carries the potential for a life threatening attack and the driver must avoid misunderstandings.
Do not get out of your car unless the officer asks you to do so. Exiting your vehicle without being asked will be taken as a threat. Do not root around in the car for anything, as this is cause for suspicion and will place undue stress on the officer. Never reach under your seat for anything. The officer may think you are reaching for a weapon and take offensive measures.
How to Pull Over
There is a correct way to pull over during a traffic stop. Don’t slam on your brakes when you see the flashing lights. You should immediately slow your vehicle down and put your turn signal on. Pull off the road completely to a shoulder or side street as quickly as possible. The goal is to park your car so it’s out of the way of traffic. If it is not a safe place to stop, drive slowly to a safer place. Stay in your car with you seatbelt fastened and turn off the radio. If you have any passengers in your vehicle, request that they remain silent at all times with their hands in plain sight.
Dealing with the Officer
The first rule is to always be polite to the officer. Great the officer with a warm and friendly smile as this will lower his or her fears. If you appear rude, angry, annoyed or treat the officer in a condescending manner, your situation will likely be much worse. Always follow instructions and give the officer your license, registration and insurance information when they ask for it. Treat the officer with respect and courtesy. Keep your answers short and simple by replying, “Yes sir” or “No ma’am”. This will go a long way in helping your case and the officer may decide not to issue you a citation if the infraction was minor in nature. Always remove your sunglasses and maintain eye contact with the officer. Most law enforcement officials view this as a sign that you are being truthful.
Remain as inconspicuous as possible. If the officer doesn’t remember certain aspects of the incident, this can work to your advantage in court. It is equally important to keep a record of the events for yourself. Note exactly when and where you were stopped and how fast you were really going. Record the weather and road conditions. Document the flow of traffic around you as well as the overall traffic conditions before you were stopped. These details will help if you decide to fight the citation in court.
If the officer issues you a citation, take the ticket, even if you believe that you did nothing wrong. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt, and only acts as proof that you received a copy of the ticket. In some states, not signing a ticket can be regarded as a criminal infraction.
What not to say
Every question asked by the officer has a purpose. His job is to collect evidence against you to include in his report. The cop is not your friend and is trained to ask leading or entrapping questions. Never make any admissions regarding how you were driving, nor admit that you were speeding or committed any traffic violation. If you decide to fight or contest your ticket at a later date, admitting guilt will lessen your chances for a successful outcome.
When the officer asks you “Do you know why I stopped you”, your best defense is to politely answer by saying, “No I don’t know officer.” Another question they may use to trap you is by asking, “Do you know how fast you were going?” A simple reply is best such as; “I am always a safe driver and believe that I was going with the flow of traffic”.
What if the officer wants to search your vehicle?
The United States Constitution protects all individuals from unreasonable search and seizure. A search warrant is usually necessary before a police officer is allowed to search your person or property. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
If a law enforcement official makes a request to search you or your vehicle, and you consent, then a warrant is not needed. Another exception is known as “probably cause”. If the officer has a reason to suspect that there is an illegal activity going on in the vehicle or has concluded that a search of your car or person will lead to evidence of contraband, then your consent is not needed.