{"id":355887,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-stops\/police-traffic-stops-and-vehicle-searches-faqs.html"},"modified":"2023-10-13T09:57:57","modified_gmt":"2023-10-13T14:57:57","slug":"police-traffic-stops-and-vehicle-searches-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-stops\/police-traffic-stops-and-vehicle-searches-faqs.html","title":{"rendered":"Police Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches: FAQ"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Police Traffic Stops and Vehicle Searches: FAQ<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Chances are you will be pulled over by law enforcement at some point in your life. Seeing the flashing lights of a police car in your rearview mirror can be stressful, even\u00a0for a minor\u00a0traffic violation<\/a>. Knowing more about your rights during routine\u00a0traffic stops<\/a>\u00a0or potential search incidents may help reduce anxiety in these situations.<\/p>\n

Below are some answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions regarding police traffic stops and\u00a0vehicle searches<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What should I do if I am pulled over by the police?<\/h2>\n

In most instances, law enforcement vehicles will use a siren or flashing lights to indicate you are required to\u00a0pull over<\/a>. Make sure it is safe before pulling over to the shoulder of the road or outermost lane. Avoid sudden maneuvers that could put you, the officer, or other motorists at risk. Use your turn signal or flashers to show officers you intend to stop.<\/p>\n

Once you stop, don’t make any sudden movements that may give the officer reason to believe you may be concealing weapons or engaging in any\u00a0other illegal activity. A few other things to keep in mind include:<\/p>\n