What to do when you’re pulled over: Advice from the Cops

[CarAudioTalk]

What to do when you’re pulled over: Advice from the Cops
By BENGT HALVORSON

As you coast to a stop on the shoulder of the roadway, you know that sick feeling -- you've been busted. And now, it's time to pay.

We thought it might be a good idea to share with you some advice on how to behave once you're pulled over. So, we asked a few state troopers for their list of do's and don'ts. Here's what we gathered:

Pull over as soon as possible.
As soon as you even think that you might be the one who the highway patrol car is after, pull over. This shows that you have proper respect for emergency vehicles' right of way, and doesn't necessarily mean to the officer that you're admitting guilt.

Always pull over to the right.
Always pull over on the right side of the roadway. On divided highways, signal and safely move over to the far right lane, and then to the shoulder. When you come to a complete stop, choose a section of roadway that has a full shoulder, without guardrails if possible. Pulling over on the left may obstruct traffic, and pulling over next to a guardrail may make it difficult for the officer to safely approach your car. Both are mistakes that won't win favor.

Know where your paperwork is.
Normally, when a police officer first pulls you over, he/she will ask for your license, registration and insurance. If you're not well organized and keep the officer waiting while you dig through your possessions, the officer may be less likely to sympathize.

Make the officer feel safe.
Turn your dome light on at night. Always keep your hands in plain sight. Don't make any sudden movements. Roll your window down all the way. Stay in the car. Use common sense and don't put the officer in an uncomfortable situation.

Let the cop talk first.
Don't blurt out things that could incriminate you. Keep your calm, even if you're upset about being stopped. Don't volunteer information, like how fast you thought you were going. The officer may not be pulling you over for what you think he is. Let him talk to you first. React kindly and you may have more of a chance to be sent on your way without a ticket.

Don't argue with the cop.
Challenging the officer is a recipe for disaster, and likely means that you will be written up for the full offense and the officer will be less likely to opt for a compromise in court. So is asking to see the officer's radar-gun calibration records. If you are issued a ticket and wish to contest it, set a date in court.

[electrolytic]

Great advice, the cops here in Toronto are ridiculous, they must pull over at least 200 cars a day, mostly just to see whats up and if they can give tickets.
I learned early in life, a little bit of respect goes a long way with these tards. So when i get pulled over it's yes sir, no sir, 3 freakin bags full Sir LOL.

[ibanezFreak87]

i just wish the cops in ohio were like the ones in 3fast3furious. lol. you know that scene where the new guy drives the fast ass rx7 and he sees a couple cops and freaks out, but the other guys like, "don't worry, if your going too fast, they won't even try."

****, that would be ideal.

[DaveDSMer]

i have to urge the "make the cop feel safe" one because these guys never know what to expect from every stop. Basically they have to assume you have a gun and are ready to use it unless you can show them otherwise. Just have to place yourself in their shoes about this one and do things that would ease their nerves and that usually does wonders for the amount of slack they will give you.

[psycho_maniac]

One time my text tone went off right when the cop was going to let me go (my text tone is "mail mother fcuker" and then he asked what i just said and I'm like
uhh nothing" and he told me to get out of the car and told me I had an attitude problem. Needless to say i always turn my phone off when I'm being pulled over from now on.

[The Viking]

Originally Posted by DaveDSMer

i have to urge the "make the cop feel safe" one because these guys never know what to expect from every stop. Basically they have to assume you have a gun and are ready to use it unless you can show them otherwise. Just have to place yourself in their shoes about this one and do things that would ease their nerves and that usually does wonders for the amount of slack they will give you.

Very true, Every time me or the Mrs. gets pulled over, the very first thing we tell them is that we have a loaded gun next too us. Never had any problems with the LEO's about it either. Even got into a freindly conversation about what I was carrying and what the officer was carrying and why we liked that particular gun...etc....


NEVER be an a$$hole to a cop...it will get you no where.