What should I do if I am pulled over?

August 22, 2023

Knowing what to do when you're pulled over by the police is essential to ensure your safety and protect your rights.  If you choose not to comply and potentially make a misunderstanding worse than necessary, it can escalate into a more serious situation.  By understanding the proper steps to take during a traffic stop, you can minimize potential risks and help create a smoother interaction with law enforcement.

When you see the police lights behind you, the first thing to do is remain calm and find a safe place to pull over, preferably on the right side of the road or to a parking lot.  It's essential to signal your intention to pull over and do so in a manner that shows respect for the officer's safety.

Once you've pulled over, here are some important steps to keep in mind:

• Stay in your vehicle: Unless the officer instructs you otherwise, stay inside your car with your hands on the steering wheel in a visible position. 

• Be polite and respectful: When the officer approaches your vehicle, be polite, and cooperate.  If you decide you want to exercise your Constitutional "Miranda Rights," you may be perceived as uncooperative and difficult.  These are your rights and you can exercise them whenever you decide.  That said, being argumentative or confrontational will almost assuredly mean you are going to get a ticket.

• Provide requested documents: When asked, provide your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.  If you need to reach for something, let the officer know what you're doing and do it slowly.

• Limit conversation: It's generally best to keep the conversation brief and focused on the traffic stop.  Avoid volunteering unnecessary information or admitting guilt.  You can be polite without providing more information than absolutely necessary.

• Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If the officer asks questions that may incriminate you, you can respectfully decline to answer.

• Follow instructions: If the officer issues a citation or instructs you on a course of action, follow those instructions.  When you are asked to sign a ticket, it is NOT an admission of guilt only a promise that you will appear for court.  You can address any concerns or contest the ticket in court.

If you feel that your rights have been violated during the traffic stop, it's essential to remain calm and cooperate while taking mental notes of the situation.  Once the stop is over, you can document everything that happened as soon as possible or consult with an attorney to discuss any potential violations and decide on appropriate legal actions.  Understanding your rights and following proper protocol during a traffic stop is key to ensuring your safety and protecting your legal interests.  If you are interested in contacting our firm to obtain legal assistance for you or someone you know who has been pulled over or charged with a crime after a traffic stop, please visit our "Contact Us" page or give us a call at (308) 728-3676.

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