If police stop you or pull you over while you are driving, you may wonder what you did wrong and feel nervous and agitated. It is important to know what you must do and what your rights are in these situations so you can calmly respond responsibly.
Stay calm
The first thing you should do if police pull you over is remain calm. Take a deep breath and try to keep a level head. Losing your temper or becoming aggressive can hurt you.
Pull over safely
If you are driving a vehicle, pull over safely to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Use the turn signal and continue to follow traffic rules. If you are not in a vehicle, find a safe spot to stop and cooperate.
Show respect and cooperate
When the officer approaches, be polite and respectful. Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are visible, and avoid making any sudden movements. Only reach for documents if the police ask you for them.
Know your rights
Understand that you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, the right to refuse a search of your vehicle or your person if the police do not have a search warrant signed by a judge.
Ask for information
If you are unsure about why the police stopped you, respectfully ask the officer for clarification. It is important for you to understand the situation and why you were pulled over. Remember that police can only hold you up for a limited period of time if they have no reason or authority to arrest you.
Avoid arguing with the police
Try your very best to be as respectful as possible at all times. It is important that you and the police officer get off on the right foot from the start to avoid any potential issues later on.
A police stop can be nerve-wracking and make you feel a whole range of emotions. Make sure to remain calm, keep a level head, cooperate, keep your rights in mind always, and ensure you are being treated with the respect and dignity that you are showing the police as well.