WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY A POLICE OFFICER

SAFELY PULL OVER, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, and as far to the right as the conditions will allow. Don’t give the officer the impression that you are unaware you are being pulled over or that you might flee the scene.
 

SHUT OFF YOUR ENGINE and turn off the stereo. If it is dark outside, turn on your dome light. KEEP YOUR HANDS ON THE WHEEL IN PLAIN SIGHT (the "10 and 2" position). This is a sign of respect and reassures the officer that he or she is at no risk when approaching your car. You can get out your license, registration and proof of insurance if and when the officer requests them.
 

Take a deep breath and REMAIN CALM. Now is not the time to lose your temper and say something you will regret later. All passengers in your car should remain quiet unless the officer asks them a specific question.
 

DO NOT ADMIT ANYTHING. You can remain respectful to the officer without making a statement that could be used against you in court.
 

When the officer asks if you have your license, registration and proof of insurance, ask him or her if you should get them out now. If the officer tells you to produce them and they are in your glove compartment or console, remove them quickly and close the compartment door.
 

Remember that this is not your chance to plead your case. The odds that you will talk the officer out of issuing you a ticket once you have been pulled over are extremely slim.
 

Observe your surroundings and try to REMEMBER AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE. Details such as the surrounding location, weather conditions, traffic conditions, the clothes you are wearing, the license plate and unit number of the officer’s car, what the officer says, etc. can become very important later.
 

Once you have been issued a citation (or hopefully just a friendly warning), pull away from the scene calmly and safely. Do not make yourself memorable by hanging around too long or squealing your tires on the way out. You can always come back to the scene later to review the surroundings.