Everyone gets anxious when a police officer is traveling behind them, even if they have been obeying all traffic laws. Once those red & blue lights turn on, the anxiety level increased for both you and the police officer. You may already be aware of the violation you committed, or you may be confused. Sometimes police operate in areas of selective traffic enforcement and are encouraged to stop motorists for very minor violations. Speeding offences are the most likely violation for which you are being stopped!
Use common sense when your vehicle is stopped by the police. Doing so makes your life easier, the police officer’s life safer, and increases the likelihood you might receive a warning rather than a ticket. The following safety tips will help make certain that your interaction with the police is done safely and with the best possible outcome.
- Immediately pull to the right shoulder of the road or a safe side street or parking lot on the right
- Open your car window
- Remove sunglasses if you are wearing them
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel or otherwise visible
- Don’t fidget around in the glove box or center console or put your hands in your pockets
- Have your insurance card and vehicle registration available
- Be polite
- Don’t argue with the police officer
- Respond appropriately to all requests from the police officer
- If you receive a traffic ticket or citation, sign it if requested to do so
The police officer spends a fair amount of his/her time enforcing traffic laws and stopping motorists. Please do what you can to make their job safer and to ensure good interaction while being stopped by the police