Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly. Here we describe what the law requires and also offer strategies for handling police encounters.
You can be pulled over or stopped by the police when driving for many reasons. Speeding, tail gaiting (driving too close to the car in front of you) can also get you pulled over. Weaving in and out of traffic (especially without using your turn signal), rolling through stop signs, trying to beat a red light are other aggressive driving behaviors that could cause harm to you and those around you. Drive defensively (with care, obeying laws including speed limits, and avoiding risky driving practices) and keep yourself and your family safe not just because you can get caught.
You may get stopped for other safety reasons, like if your car has a headlight, taillight, break light, turn signal, etc. out or not working.
You may get a warning or a ticket. The penalties for driving faster than the speed limit or conditions cost you a ticket:
- A basic speeding could cost $175
- Speeding through construction and school zones: a ticket costs $300
Talking to the Police
Knowing what to expect when talking to the police is important. In the United States, you have "the right to remain silent", which is a right many people forget. Shouting and arguing is never in your best interest because "anything you say can and will be used against you in the court of law." Lying to authorities is perjury and can be a felony which is a serious crime that is punishable by a year or more in prison.
You can and should talk to the officers. Stay calm. Be respectful. Listen. Let the officer tell you why you were pulled over. Remember a traffic stop can be very dangerous for the police officer and they have to be prepared for threats.
If you receive a ticket for driving, follow the instructions. Do not offer money or insist on paying the officer.
If you receive a warning for driving, follow the instructions (replace burnt out lights, use your turn signal, slow down, get your vehicle repaired, etc). Remember, the police try to keep you and others on the road safe.
Here is a great resource: ACLU Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police.
- Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent.
- If you are a passenger, you can ask if you’re free to leave. If the police say yes, you may silently leave.
- Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.
- Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel. If you are in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard.
- Upon request, show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Avoid making sudden movements, and keep your hands where the officer can see them.
- Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Do not give any explanations or excuses. Do not say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
- If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. They can and often will listen to a call made to anyone else.
In the United States, the role of the police is to protect and serve the community. The police are ready to help in any situation. Do not be afraid to call the police for help and support or to report anything that seems off. Call the non-emergency number when you have time and if a situation is not life threatening.
Most of all, remember is that every action a police officer takes is to protect us and keep us safe. Don't ever hesitate to call the police when you need help.
- culpability: deserving blame
- dealing with: to tackle or combat a problem
- defensively: in a manner that protects you and others
- impression: a feeling or opinion not based on any particular fact
- pulled over: stopped by a police officer for breaking a traffic law
- seems off: is not typical or is unusual
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