What's the proper action to take when a cop tries to pull you over?

Question

first off, i'm on 17 and have been driving for only 2 years and have never gotten pulled over and probably should have many many times
when the time comes i don't wanna be clueless and act like i'm threatening the cop b/c i don't know what to do with my car

i know i sound like an idiot
1. what's the most appropriate place to pull over when he turns his lights on?
2. do you turn off the car completely?
3. when do you roll the windows down?
4. what do you show him other than your license?

i'm talking a typical cop stop nothin' serious

Answer 1

You don't sound like an idiot - it's an interesting question. I think the answer depends a bit on your situation.

If you haven't done anything really bad - for example, if you think you're being pulled over for a minor traffic violation, just pull over as soon as you see someplace that you can stop without interrupting the flow of traffic. I was once pulled over by a plainclothes detective for having expired tabs, and he got mad at me because I pulled into a parking lot and parked behind some parked cars because there were no empty spaces. He thought I should have picked a spot that wouldn't have prohibited those cars from backing out while we were stopped, but I thought he could just have easily reamed me for taking my time to find a better spot. I still think I made the right choice. The point is just use your best judgement but don't give the cop any excuse to think you're trying to buy time by acting like you're looking for the "perfect" spot. Turn the car off completely, get out your license and registration, roll down your window, then just put your hands on the wheel, look straight ahead, and let the cop tell you what to do from there.

If, on the other hand, you have contraband in the car or you think you're being pulled over for a very serious offense like hit-and-run or driving a stolen car, I would first advise you not to try and outrun them. I think that regardless of your race, you have a better chance of playing the system successfully than you do of evading the police for the rest of your days, at least without killing a few bystanders in the course of your flight. Also, in these circumstances I would recommend pulling over as soon as possible and turning off the car. Forget about digging around for your license unless the cop asks for it, and I think the same goes for rolling down your window. Just put your hands in plain sight, keep them there, and do whatever the cop tells you to do.

Finally, if you think you might be in serious trouble, be very polite the cops but don't consent to any voluntary searches (even if they tell you that it's in your best interest to do so), and don't answer any questions. Just shut up and quietly insist on speaking to an attorney. There's no space to expand on this advice, but believe me, it applies in virtually all cases where you even think that you might be suspected of a serious offense.

Answer 2

Pull over to a place where you will not be blocking traffic. The right hand side of the road is the law in the U.S. Pull over into a parking lot or a side street. Don't worry about turning off the car unless the officer tells you. Don't roll down the window until the officer comes up to your car, and don't make any sudden moves. Reach for your license, registration, and proof of insurance (it varies by state) when the officer tells you to. And be respectful and logical above all else. Don't think that sucking up to him/her, crying, or being an a$$hole is going to help you in any way. It will only make things worse, depending on the cop. And always be honest. They appreciate that.

Answer 3

Pull over in a parking lot.
off the side of the road away from traffic
any place it is safe and no heavy traffic
you can let the car run after being pulled over
you roll down windows either after you are pulled over or
wait until the cop gets to your window/
he will ask for your drivers license and car registration/car insurance
always be cool and polite
a typical cop stop will be the same ...
being cocky with an attitude will only make it worse for you

Answer 4

When the officer's lights are flashing and you are being encouraged to pull over you are required to slow down and safely manouver the vehicle to the right side of the road so as to allow other vehicles to pass without creating an obstruction. The officer will most likely pull up behind you.

Once you have safely stopped, turn off the engine and your lights.

Roll down the window when the Officer approaches your door.

The Officer will need to see you license, car registration and insurance papers.

Driving at 15 or at 17 isn't doable here in Canada, so I find the question rather interesting. Where are u?

All the best and I hope this is of help. Merry, Merry.

Answer 5

well, i've been pulled over so many times for so many stupid things, it's not even fun to think about, but you shouldn't stress it too much. the main thing is to be compliant.

pull all the way off the road, even partly off of the shoulder if possible because the cop is going to have to stand by your window, so you don't want him to have to stand in the road and possibly get hit.

it doesn't hurt to roll down your window right away, so you might as well. never open your door unless you are told to.

get your license and registration and proof of insurance. both the vehicle's registration and the current proof of insurance should be in the glove compartment.

when the cop asks you questions, answer them. the more calm you are and the more compliant you are, the better off you will be. a cop will give you a ticket if he or she wants to; don't think that because you were doing nothing wrong, you are ok.

Answer 6

Don't pull over in the middle of traffic - find the closest public driveway or parking lot if you are on a main road. I don't know if it's true or not, but a state trooper pulled an ex BF of mine over once, and the cop barked at him for not pulling over on the RIGHT shoulder of the road....

Don't do anything else unless they ask and DON'T take off your seatbelt or get out of the car. Just roll down your window an ask the officer what the problem is. The rest you can take from there as they request it from you - license, registration, proof if insurance.

Answer 7

1. Keep driving...if they ask why you didn't pull over sooner claim to have not been able to see said lights through the haze. Pull over at a donut shop if possible. Krispy Kreme or Dunkin's will work in most cases. Putting out your doobie or stashing the beer under the seat would be good right about now. If you have passengers have them follow suit. If you have a female passenger, have her immediately fake labor or illness. That way you can...
2. ...keep the motor running...and vent the vehicle while you're at it. Which leads to...
3 Roll down window immediately. All of them if possible.
4. Cordially offer the officer (don't say "occifer") your wallet and registration. And when he asks about the smell on your breath, just say "It's O' Dweeds Man!" and speed away. Take out a mailbox if you can

The answers above mine are probably going to keep you out of trouble so this is pretty much the opposite. Thanks to Chappelle's Show for the use of "O' Dweeds".

Answer 8

1) Pull off to the side, but try to pick a safe place. Try not to put the officer at risk by pulling off at a blind spot. But don't drive forever that will just tic em off.

2) Turn you car off. It will be less threatening.

3) Open your window as the officer approaches and keep your hands in view. Keeping you hands in view will help prevent accidental misunderstandings.

4) The officer will ask for you license and registration, show them them. You can get them out in advance if you know where they are, but it is a good idea not to be fumbling around in the car as the officer approaches

Answer 9

Pull over as soon as you can but not a place dangerous for the cop. Roll down your window and put your hands on the wheel. Have your license, registration and proof of insurance available. Always say yes sir or yes ma'am.

Answer 10

1. When you can safely, and there is room on the shoulder. You should have your directional on, so that the cop knows you are acknowledging him.
2. No. But turn the radio down/off. Respect
3. Just before he gets to your window.
4. Usually your registration, but he will ask

DO NOT reach for your license/registration before he asks for it
LEAVE the glove compartment open after you take the registration out
KEEP your hands on the wheel

Also, it usually takes a while after they take your stuff. Try not to fidget or whatever. Make your moves slowly and deliberately.