Did you know the police pull over north of 50,000 motorists on an average day? According to The Stanford Open Policing Project, this amounts to more than 20 million drivers annually.
If you’re driving along and see the lights on a squad car light up like a Christmas tree, that likely means it’s time to pull over. Besides doing that, here are 16 things to avoid if pulled over.
Play a Wise Guy (Or Gal)
If your conscience sets you free, you have nothing to worry about…right? One of the worst things you can do when pulled over is play a wise guy or gal. Getting lippy won’t help you. Be respectful. Perhaps your civil manner will get you a warning rather than a ticket.
Reach for Something
Don’t reach for anything unless asked to by a police officer. In this age of heightened tensions, you don’t want to do anything that could be interpreted as an act of aggression. Most cops do their job to the best of their abilities to make their communities safer. They want to return home safe and sound at the end of their shifts, just like you do.
Tell a Lie
No one wants to be lied to — let alone the authorities sworn to upkeep the laws of the land. If stopped for whatever reason, that’s not the time to spin any tales you think will get you out of a tight spot. If the police catch you in a lie, any goodwill they extend will be swiftly withdrawn.
Exit the Vehicle
If you get the urge to exit your vehicle after getting pulled over, don’t. Unless a police officer requests you get out of your car, stay seated. You don’t want to do anything that catches a police officer off guard. It could quickly turn a simple matter into a problem.
Cause an Argument
How can being argumentative or confrontational help your cause? Remember that the police have a job to do. If you feel an officer is overstepping their bounds, you can follow up through legal channels afterward. But during the traffic stop, keep your cool.
Take Off
Under no circumstances should you put your pedal to the medal and take off. While police chases make interesting content on YouTube, they’re no laughing matter.
Refuse to Open Your Door or Wind Down Your Window
Cocooning yourself in your vehicle if pulled over by the police won’t work. If an officer pulls you over and asks you to open your door or wind down your window, you can’t legally ignore that lawful request. You could risk having an officer gain entry by smashing your window.
Refuse to Show Documents
You must present your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration if a law enforcement officer asks for them after pulling you over. Some motorists have the mistaken notion that such a request is optional.
Put Your Hands on an Officer
If you want an encounter with the police to go south at the speed of light, try putting your hands on one. It won’t go well for you. Treat the police with the respect you wish to be treated with.
Tell the Officer They Can’t Arrest You
Some motorists inform police officers that the law enforcement officials can’t arrest them. If you’ve done something worthy of an arrest and a trip to a police station, telling the police they can’t arrest you won’t go over well.
Make Sudden Movements
Avoid making sudden movements. Unless you’re known to the police because of previous arrests, they have no clue who you are. The encounter might not end well if you make a sudden move that they perceive as aggressive or hostile.
Consume Food or Drink
What could be wrong with eating or drinking after being pulled over? It’s a matter of respect. If you’re chowing down on something, a police officer might assume you’re not taking the situation seriously. They might be harder on you than would otherwise be the case.
Get on Your Phone
After getting pulled over by the police, your first instinct shouldn’t be to get your phone. A police officer might get the wrong idea if you’re fishing around for your smartphone. It’s best to focus on the situation and leave the phone for later.
Panic
Some things are easier said than done. But it’s still important to know that panicking is the last thing to do after being pulled over. If you’re a basket case of nerves, you might do things you otherwise wouldn’t. And that could make a bad situation worse.
Offer a Bribe
You might ask yourself — “Who would be dumb enough to offer a cop a bride?” You’d be surprised. Not only will this ploy not work, but you could face charges for trying it.
Cuss Like a Sailor
Another thing you shouldn’t do if pulled over is carry on. Unless the officer has the patience of a saint, you will make matters worse for yourself. You could get yourself a charge of disorderly conduct for your efforts.
Avoid Doing Any of These 16 Things
If pulled over by the police, remember it’s not the end of the world. Millions of people go through it every year. It’s a matter of how you handle it. Be respectful and do what’s legally required.
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