What To Do When You Get Pulled Over By Police
Almost every driver has gotten pulled over by the police at one time or another. Traffic stops can either lead to an arrest or a verbal warning. Statistics show that up to 50,000 drivers get pulled over by the police on a typical day. Getting pulled over is an experience that could make any driver agitated, as there is uncertainty about what to expect even when you think you’re innocent. What should you do when you experience a traffic stop?
When pulled over by a police officer, you must know your rights, avoid any actions that could arouse suspicion, know what you must do to protect yourself, and know important steps to take when your rights are being violated by the police officer.
What Should I Do When I Get Pulled Over By Police Officers?
What you say and do at a traffic stop can determine your fate, whether you’ll be let go, issued a very costly traffic ticket, or arrested by a police officer. You should even be more careful if your driving record is already tainted.
Know Your Rights
Knowing your rights helps you to make wise and informed decisions. Knowing your rights include knowing when you can be pulled over by the police and when police officers are allowed to search your car and personal belongings as well as your actions and inactions as permitted by the law.
When Can I Get Pulled Over By The Police?
An officer is licensed to stop you when you a found violating traffic laws, endangering the lives of other road users, or for routine road checks. An officer cannot pull you over without a legitimate cause. Reasons such as your age, race, or the type of car you drive are not probable causes for a traffic stop.
Traffic Violations
A road officer is licensed to stop you if he notices a violation of any traffic law. You will be pulled over if you’re caught driving above the speed limit, not using your seat belt, drinking while driving, not stopping where there is a stop sign, using a cell phone use while driving, etc.
Dangerous Driving Practices
Dangerous driving practices such as tailgating, improper lane changing, wrong overtaking, etc., are legitimate reasons for getting pulled over by an officer.
Routine Road Checks
You could get pulled over for probable causes and be subjected to routine checks where the officer asks for a driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. The officer may also check your vehicle registration and the condition of your vehicle.
When Is An Officer Allowed To Search My Car?
In general, a police officer who stops you for a traffic law violation is not allowed to search your car or personal belongings without probable cause. Probable causes include suspicious activities from passengers, suspicious remarks and smells, open containers, and items that appear to be weapons. Each state has unique exceptions to this general law.
Your Rights
Both the driver and passengers have the right to remain silent when an officer asks a question you do not wish to answer. You do not have to answer questions about sensitive or confidential information. Officers are not allowed to search your car or personal belongings (this includes cell phones) unless you provide consent. An officer may, however, pat down your clothing if he suspects a weapon. You also have the right to say no when an officer requests to search your car without a legal cause.
Refusing consent may not stop the officer from searching your vehicle against your will, but objecting before or during the search can give you an edge in any later legal proceedings.
You have the right to hire an attorney in case of serious accusations. Ensure to hire an attorney from a law firm with a good attorney-client relationship. It makes things easier. You are also entitled to hire an attorney from a government law firm if you cannot afford one personally. An attorney and his client have a confidential relationship, so an officer is not allowed to listen to your conversation.
As a passenger, you have the right to request to leave the scene. Leave quietly if the officer permits you.
Protecting Yourself
You must note that ensuring the officer’s safety will guarantee yours to a large extent. Although getting pulled over can make any driver nervous, it is important to stay calm so that you have a full grasp and control over the things you can and should control. Here are a few important things you must do for your safety and that of the officer.
Pull Over Safely And At A Safe Location
When you notice that you are being flagged down, either by flashing lights from a police car behind you or an officer before you, pull over to the safest place within a short distance immediately. If you are being flashed by an unmarked police car, do not stop unless you are sure that it is the police. You can ascertain by checking if the vehicle occupants have the police uniform on through your rear-view mirror. If you are unsure, drive safely to a police station before you stop. Call 911 for added safety.
When pulling over, put on your turn signal so that the officer is not unnecessarily suspicious of you trying to escape. If you have to drive a little further for a safe place to pull over, turn on your hazard lights so that the police understand.
Turn off the ignition and turn on the interior lights to give a plain view of your car. Wind down the driver’s seat window and place your hands on the steering wheel. If you’re in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard to avoid suspicions movement may cause.
Remain calm and wait until the officer approaches you, and allow him to do the talking. Lawyers advise that you keep your responses short and brief. Remember that you have the right to stay silent and not answer any or all of the officer’s questions in the absence of your attorney.
Follow all officer orders. Present your proof of registration, driver’s license, and proof of insurance upon request. It is advisable to keep important documents in your car’s glove box as reaching for them anywhere else can be a danger alert to the officer.
Avoid rude behavior, sudden lowering, quick movements that could arouse suspicions, arguing, or exchanging words, especially when the officer issues a ticket. Remember that whatever you say or do can be used against you. Remain polite as much as possible. Contact your attorney and settle in court if you feel you have been pulled over or issued a ticket wrongly.
