do you know why I pulled you over?

Question

I was pulled over today and this is what the officer asked me. I know its a trick question because there is no correct answer for this question, or is there? what am I supposed to say when im pulled over and the officer asks me this?

Answer 1

Here's why I ask that question when I make a traffic stop.

If the person is honest with me and admits that they know what they did, and express by the town of their voice that they feel remorse for it, then that makes one hell of an impression in their favor.

If the person lies, gives some smart*** response, or plays stupid, then that is points against them.

Attitude is one of the main factors that I consider as to whether or not to give a ticket. If someone owns up to their mistakes and doesn't try to blame me just because they screwed up, I generally won't give them a ticket. If they argue, get unruly, or act like it's my fault they were speeding, then they will get a ticket. I do it that way because if they are making excuses or blaming others for their own mistakes, they obviously need to learn a lesson, and maybe paying a couple hundred dollars will help them along. If they admit it and take responsibility for it, I tend to feel that maybe just the experience of being pulled over is lesson enough to slow them down next time.

I pulled over one guy and when I asked that, he started on this thing about how cops don't have anything better to do than harass him just because he's black, how I passed two other cars to get to him, etc. When I told him that I pulled him over for an improper tag, he started yelling that there was nothing improper about his tag, he just renewed his registration. When he paused for a second, I asked him, "Okay, so where are your registration stickers?" He started to say something, then got this embarassed look on his face and said, "In the glove box." My next question was, "So if they're in the glove box and not on the tag, that would make your tag improper, wouldn't it?" I then explained to him that I saw his tag while I was waiting to turn onto that road, but two other cars got behind him before I could turn, and it took me that mile and half to catch up to him so I could pull him over. I let him put the registration stickers on his tag and let him go with a warning. I felt that in that instance, he felt embarassed and ridiculous enough for how he acted, especially since I never got loud back and calmly proved to him that I really did have a reason for stopping him.

But he was the exception. He admitted his mistake in the end and even apologized for how he acted. Lesson learned. No ticket needed.

Of course, if I pull you over for speeding or whatever, and you don't have a driver's license or no insurance, you're getting a few tickets, no matter what. There are some things you can't talk yourself out of. But if the only thing I can write you a ticket for is what I pulled you over for, and you have a decent attitude and own up to your mistake, then you will almost always get off with a warning.

Then again, I'm not a traffic officer. They pretty much write a ticket no matter what. Hope you don't get stopped by one of them.

Answer 2

I have always been truthful when it came to this.

I have been pulled over numerous times for speeding (yes - I am a lead foot), but have had a total of 4 tickets. Why? I've been honest and didn't try to deny anything. I've been polite, nice, and respectful to the officers - after all, I was breaking the law. They are just doing their job by pulling you over.

The question is meant as a way for the officer to "assess" you before initiating the entire "transaction". They want to know what mood you're in, how you will act, and if you are under any other influences or not.

It's up to you. An officer is more likely to cut you a break if you are nice and cooperative as opposed to a real @ss.

Just some thoughts from a regular speeder. . .

Answer 3

Yes, it is a trick question. He is trying to get you to admit that "I was speeding" or "I ran a red light" etc. The best defense (reply) is to act totally ignorant. For example, Officer, I haven't the slightest idea why you stopped me - and I still don't know. I was going the same speed as all the other vehicles, so I know I wasn't speeding. Now the ball is back in his court.

Answer 4

You need someone to practice reading their rights to.

You are a rogue cop and you want my money

The payroll fund down at the station is running low

It's a lonely stretch of highway and you though I was a _________ Fill in blank with opposite sex.

Your filming a police brutality movie and you need someone to play the victim.

Answer 5

Some of the best responses are:

-Because you haven't made your quota for the month yet

-Because you're a &*%$^

-Oink Oink

-Got Bacon?

-Because you are eating a really awesome corn beef sandwich on rye, and you needed to know if I happened to have any grey poupon.

-Because you used to picked on when you were little and so now you are getting back at humanity

Answer 6

One word.....guilt. Not directly however.....my boyfriend's a cop, and I asked him the same question. He told me that first of all, it's to make you feel stupid about what you did. It's almost like scolding a child. You know what you did was wrong, and like me, have a hard time admitting to it. It's a power trip for the cop.

Answer 7

Just say, "let me guess Mr. officer my car fit the description of one used in a robbery?"

Answer 8

My response would be.. I'm sorry officer, was I doing something wrong? I won't admit or assume anything. It could be for any number of reasons. Why give them one of your own?

Answer 9

i am always honest, if i know why, then i say yes, I have not had one ask for details, i say yes, then they explain it to me. Very strange, why do you have to explain it if i know what i did. I think they get confused by people saying yes, I ma sure they get the innocent act most of the time.

Answer 10

Ask him if he knows why he pulled you over.
LOL

as for the officer's above answer, that is abuse of power
and now you know why noone likes you. We all screw up even
you and your buddies, get off the trojan high horse please.