Traffic Stop Guide: What to Do When Pulled Over

The odds are that every driver will be pulled over at least once in their time behind the wheel. It can happen to even the most seasoned drivers with few bad driving habits. When getting pulled over, always follow these guidelines to ensure an unpleasant experience does not escalate into something avoidable.

For best results, here is what to do when you get pulled over:

Stay Calm and Safely Pull to the Side of the Road

When you get pulled over, don’t panic. Stay as calm as possible and do the following:

• Put your turn signal on and safely pull to the side of the road.
• Park so that plenty of room is left for the police officer to come to your driver-side window and speak with you.
• Find a nearby, quiet place to park. A parking lot is ideal, but any safe, low-traffic area will do.
• At night, put on the dome or reading light so you’re easily visible.

Where to Pull Over for the Police on the Highway

If you’re getting pulled over on a busy highway, the police officer does not expect you to dash across traffic lanes immediately to stop. Along with putting on your turn signal, switch on your hazard lights. The officer will recognize that you intend to pull over.

On a busy road, roll down the passenger and driver’s side window as the officer approaches. It’s safer for them to speak with you from the passenger window than risk getting hit by an inattentive driver if standing in the roadway.

Remain Inside the Vehicle

Do not exit the vehicle under any circumstances. Turn off the ignition when pulled over so the police officer knows you can’t speed off.

Keep Your Seatbelt On

Resist any temptation to undo your seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt when behind the wheel is mandatory in every U.S. state except for New Hampshire. By keeping your seatbelt on, you show the police officer you probably had it on while driving. It is possible to receive a traffic ticket even if the only issue is not wearing a seatbelt.

Hands on the Wheel

After rolling down the driver’s side window, always keep your hands on the wheel, in full view of the law enforcement officer. The police officer should then request certain documents, such as your driver’s license, insurance, and registration. Do not reach for these documents until you’re told to do so.

For instance, suddenly reaching for the glove compartment without authorization to get your insurance and registration could be perceived as threatening behavior. When the officer asks for these documents, let them know you must reach into the glove compartment.

Follow Instructions

Always follow the instructions given to you by the police officer when pulled over. Calmly speak to the police officer and remain respectful, even if you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong.

• Let the officer know if you intend to make any movements, such as reaching into your purse to retrieve your driver’s license.
• If you’re asked to step out of the car, walk to the vehicle's rear.
• While you should answer all of the officer’s questions when pulled over, limit the answers to “yes” and “no” as much as possible. Do not refuse to cooperate if you think you should not have been pulled over. Court is where you can argue whether you should have been pulled over, not on the side of the road.
• While you should not admit guilt, do not lie to the officer when pulled over.
• You have the right to remain silent if the officer asks where you are coming from or where you’re going. You must exercise this right by saying it out loud to the officer.
• Unless you were pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence or other illegal activity, the officer should let you go with either a warning or a ticket. Do not leave the scene until you are explicitly instructed to do so. If unsure, ask the officer if you are now dismissed.
• What to do when you get pulled over by an unmarked vehicle? Even with a marked vehicle, you can always politely ask for the officer’s badge number and ID. If the officer refuses to provide this information, ask to call 911 so that a marked vehicle can come to your site. If you feel threatened when getting pulled over by an unmarked vehicle, call 911.

It’s best if you can avoid getting pulled over, but knowing what to do when it happens can make all the difference in the outcome of a traffic stop.