Most Americans will be involved in a traffic stop at some
point in their lives. The stop itself is terribly unnerving; seeing the
blue lights in your rear-view mirror, wondering if they're stopping you,
then being pulled over, and sitting on the side of the road while
everyone looks as they go by. From there, if you receive a ticket from
the Police Office, now you are concerned about what detrimental affects
this will have on your license and/or insurance. Do you have to go to
court? How long will it take? What options are available? All questions
that will run through your mind. For some, this is an unnerving
experience, others it's downright stressful. Either way, knowing what to
do when you are being stopped, can help you minimize the amount of
stress you may feel (and/or cause the Police Officer) as well as
potentially avoid incriminating yourself more.
First, when being pulled over, always pull off to the side of the road at the earliest place available that you can while still doing so safely. Do not jerk the wheel over and slam on your brakes, this will only cause added suspicion on the part of the Police Officer. Once pulled over, place the vehicle in park and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Officers do not like to see a lot of movement from the person when they are being pulled over. Even though you may be trying to get your license, insurance and registration together, it's better to just wait until the officer is at your car window. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the movement is innocent, but there is always the chance that the movement could be the driver attempting to hide contraband, or worse, obtain a weapon. Officer's put their lives on the line every day and giving them reason to be additionally suspicious of your motives will only add to the stress of both you and the officer during your stop.
First, when being pulled over, always pull off to the side of the road at the earliest place available that you can while still doing so safely. Do not jerk the wheel over and slam on your brakes, this will only cause added suspicion on the part of the Police Officer. Once pulled over, place the vehicle in park and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Officers do not like to see a lot of movement from the person when they are being pulled over. Even though you may be trying to get your license, insurance and registration together, it's better to just wait until the officer is at your car window. Ninety-nine percent of the time, the movement is innocent, but there is always the chance that the movement could be the driver attempting to hide contraband, or worse, obtain a weapon. Officer's put their lives on the line every day and giving them reason to be additionally suspicious of your motives will only add to the stress of both you and the officer during your stop.