How to Act When You are Stopped by the Police

May 12th, 2008 by admin

One of my favorite blogs, Lifehacker, alerted me to an article in Car & Driver entitled “Busted! What Should I Do Now?“    The magazine spoke to police officers and state troopers all over the country to get their feedback about how to act during a traffic stop.  The Car & Driver article sets out five things you should do if you are stopped, and five things you should not do.

The Five Things You Should Do

  • Pull to the right at the first opportunity, then turn off your engine.

  • Stay in your car with your seat belt fastened, roll down your window, turn off the radio, and do not touch your cell phone

  • Place your hands on your steering wheel and sit quietly.  Tell your passengers to be quiet.

  • Retrieve license, registration and insurance proof only when asked to do so.

  • Answer questions succinctly and don’t argue

    • The Five Things You Should Not Do

  • Don’t slam on your brakes or continue driving for an extended period of time.

  • Do not jump out of the vehicle, run at the officer or make sudden movements

  • Minimize your complaining or arguments

  • Do not lie

  • Do not show your contempt by peeling away after getting a ticket

    • Posted in Arrest issues |

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