{"id":355892,"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\/what-to-do-during-traffic-stops.html"},"modified":"2023-11-04T14:29:00","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T19:29:00","slug":"what-to-do-during-traffic-stops","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-stops\/what-to-do-during-traffic-stops.html","title":{"rendered":"What To Do and Say During a Traffic Stop"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What To Do and Say During a Traffic Stop<\/h1>\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

Knowing what to say and do through all phases of a traffic stop can help ensure a smooth and safe interaction with law enforcement. Your words and actions in these situations can also be crucial later in court if you <\/span>challenge a traffic ticket<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

If the police pull you over, you want to be as prepared as possible. Whether an officer pulls you over for a minor traffic infraction<\/a> or something more serious, the following pointers can promote a mutually respectful exchange. They can also help prevent self-incrimination.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What To Do When You First See the Police Car<\/h2>\r\n

When you see the flashing lights or hear the siren, pull over quickly and safely using your flashers or turn signals. This lets the police officer know you understand and comply. Pull as far to the right side of the road as possible. If you are next to a safe place (like a parking lot or a residential area), you can also stop your vehicle there.<\/p>\r\n

Your goal is to make it clear immediately that you understand they are in control. By pulling over promptly, you can also be near the scene of your alleged violation. This allows you to review the scene to evaluate the officer’s claim. Look for potential defenses<\/a> you could use later in traffic court, such as obstructed views.<\/p>\r\n

What To Do Immediately After You Are Stopped<\/h2>\r\n

Take a deep breath as the officer approaches your vehicle. Always be polite during traffic stops<\/a>, even if the officer is short with you. Roll down your window, turn off the engine, and place your hands on the steering wheel. If it is nighttime, turn on your interior light.<\/p>\r\n

Be prepared to show your driver’s license<\/a>, proof of insurance, and motor vehicle registration. However, do not reach for these before being asked. Once requested, let the officer know where these items are before retrieving them. You can say something like, "My driver’s license is in my purse, and my insurance and registration are in my glove compartment."<\/p>\r\n

Law enforcement officers are trained to spot motorists stashing contraband or reaching for hidden items, and they may misinterpret your actions. You might be reaching for your registration, but the officer may think you’re going for a gun.<\/p>\r\n

If you suspect they are not a police officer (like if an unmarked car pulled you over), ask politely to see their photo identification and badge. If you still are unsure, you can ask that they call a supervisor to the scene. You can also request that you be allowed to follow the officer to a police department station.<\/p>\r\n

Don’t Give the Officer an Excuse to Search Your Car<\/h2>\r\n

Law enforcement is typically not allowed to search your car<\/a> during a routine traffic stop. However, you can inadvertently give the officer a valid reason to search your car if you’re not careful. Once they shine their spotlight on your car, they are watching closely for any suspicious movements.<\/p>\r\n

For example, if an officer observes you trying to throw something out of the window, they may legally search your car<\/a>. If you appear to hunch down, they may reasonably believe<\/a> you’re hiding something under the seat. Be calm, don’t make sudden or suspicious movements, and don’t reach for anything until the officer asks.<\/p>\r\n

An officer can search your car if they have probable cause<\/a>. In this context, probable cause means a reasonable basis to believe that you or your passengers are involved in criminal activity. Even if they don’t initially have probable cause, an officer can inspect anything in plain view<\/a>. Common examples of items in plain view include:<\/p>\r\n