Getting pulled over is never a comfortable experience. Even if you know exactly why the police officer pulled you over, your first response is usually panic. How you behave after the officer flashes those lights can make the difference between a short, simple traffic stop and a longer, more painful episode on the side of the road that eventually results in higher insurance premiums. Even if you plan to fight a citations, your behavior at the scene of the accident can make a difference in how the court rules. Don’t risk higher insurance rates. Follow these tips to maximize your chances of getting out of a ticket.
Find a Safe Place to Pull Over as Soon as Possible
As soon as you notice you are being pulled over, begin to flash your turn indicator so that the officer will know you are planning to pull over. Try to pull off the road and into a neighborhood or a parking lot so that there will be less danger of cars whizzing by during the stop. If you’re in a particularly bad area to pull over, the officer might guide you toward a safer place. Once you pull to a stop, turn on your hazard lights. Using your turn indicator and flashers are a good way to let the officer know you are planning to cooperate.
Sit Still Until the Officer Comes to the Window
By this time your heart is probably pounding and you mind is probably racing through all of the possible consequences of the traffic stop. Remember that the police officer doesn’t know anything about you. The officer will probably leave you sitting in your car for a few minutes while they run your license plate number to make sure you don’t have any outstanding warrants or other problems on your record. While you wait, turn off the radio and roll down your window. Keep your hands on the steering wheel until the officer comes to the window. Reaching for the floorboards or grabbing something from the back seat could make the officer worry that you have a weapon.
Keep Calm and be Polite
When the officer comes to your window, wait for them to initiate the conversation. Keep your cool and don’t make any sudden moves that would seem suspicious. When the officer asks you to present your license and proof of insurance, tell them where those things are and then reach for them. It’s a good idea to keep them in a place that is easy to reach when you are driving. You don’t have to be overly polite, but try not to be rude. The officer can make your life difficult if you have a bad attitude.
Don’t Volunteer Unnecessary Information
What you say when you are pulled over will come back to haunt you if you need to contest the ticket later. Only answer the questions that the officer asks. Be honest. Let the officer issue a ticket, even if you don’t think you were doing anything wrong. There is nothing the officer can do to help you during the traffic stop, and arguing will only make the stop more uncomfortable. You can plead your case with the traffic court judge later.
