What If The Police Pull Me Over?

This should be common sense, but don’t act a fool. They appreciate it if you pull over to an area where they can safely exit their vehicle and approach your vehicle; no blind curves/hills. Basically, they don’t want something like this to happen.

Once you’ve pulled over to the side of the road, don’t get out your car, don’t start yelling and screaming, and don’t go rummaging through your car (they may think that you’re looking for a weapon). Turn off your engine, turn on your interior lights, roll down your windows, and put your hands somewhere in plain sight (e.g. on top of the steering wheel). The police is usually just as nervous and scared as you are during a routine traffic stop. You’ve seen all of those videos of what happens when traffic stops go wrong.

The police officer will likely ask you for your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Calmly obtain these items. If you need to reach an area that is probably not visible to the officer (e.g. under the seat), tell him/her what you are doing and do it slowly.

Lastly, be courteous and polite. Of course, there are some things you should and shouldn’t say during this very important conversation. I’ll write about this next …