What to Do when You Get Pulled Over
This is the police! Pull over! As soon as the officer displays lights and sirens, pull your car over. While some may view this as conceding you did something wrong, what it really shows is that you are a law abiding citizen who respects authority, by giving the right of way to emergency vehicles. Remember, always go to the right side of the roadway, even if you’re in the left lane. Stopping on the left hinders traffic and jeopardizes the safety of the officer. Switch lanes safely, guide your wheels to the right and make a complete stop.
License and registration! Always carry with you your license, car’s registration and insurance when driving. Keep them in an accessible place where they will be handy when needed. If you fumble around looking for your paperwork, making the officer wait, he may be less likely to let you off the hook.
Don’t make any sudden moves! You need to make the officer feel safe. Roll your window all the way down. Don’t get out of the car to talk to him. That may create suspicion as to what your motives are. Always keep your hands in plain sight and don’t make any sudden movements. If you are stopped at night, turn your dome light on. Officers risk their lives everyday; safety is key.
Quiet you fool! How smart is it to give the cop attitude? Not very. Have the officer tell you why he’s pulled you over. It is unwise to blurt out a laundry list of what you think you’ve done wrong. There’s no need to volunteer information. Just keep calm, even if you’re upset and let him talk to you first. Responding with kindness increases the chances of getting out of a ticket.
Are you crazy? Do not argue. Getting into a verbal confrontation with the authority in charge does not bode well. Not only will you manage to rise tempers, but your ticket might be written up for the full offense. If contested in court, the officer will be less likely to compromise for a lesser charge. So, if you feel you’ve been unjustly treated, take it up in court, not on the side of the road.
