Flashing Lights in the Rearview Mirror: What to Do When Pulled Over by Police

Flashing lights in a police car are meant for drivers to see so they will pull off to the side of the road. When the driver pulls over, either the police car will speed around them on its way to an emergency, or the police car will pull in behind the car.

When pulled over by the police, there are certain things that officers expect drivers to know. Many people are unsure of what to do if you get pulled over. The US Department of Transportation recommends doing the following:

Pull Over Immediately

• Do not try to outrun the police- this would turn into a more serious charge with longer-lasting insurance implications
• Pull off to the right side of the road and position your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible
• Turn off the engine and any other media device
• Roll down the window to communicate with the officer
• If it is dark outside, turn on the flashers and the vehicle’s interior lights so the officer can easily see that everything is in order
• Ask the officer for identification if the officer does not have his/her uniform on or if his/her patrol vehicle does not have official law enforcement markings

Remain Calm

• Remain calm and ask all passengers to remain quiet and calm as well
• Keep your seat belt fastened and ask your passengers to keep their seat belts fastened as well
• Stay in your seat and do not get out of the vehicle unless the officer asks you to

Maintain Hands in Plain View

• Keep hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel, and ask passengers to keep their hands in plain view on their laps
• Do not make any movement that might be interpreted by the officer as hiding or searching for something

Documentation Required

• The officer will ask for your valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance
• Tell the officer where they are and reach for the slowly, keeping one hand on the steering wheel

Communicate Clearly

• Answer the officer’s questions fully and clearly. Be honest, maintain eye contact, and be polite and to the point
• Address the police officer as “officer”
• Do not discuss disagreements with the officer at that time- wait to have the chance to do it before a judge in court. The citation will show the date and location of the court date
• Keep in mind that drivers do have the legal right to remain silent

Charge or Citation

• If the citation is not clear, ask the officer for an explanation in a respectful manner
• Any refusal to sign the citation can result in an arrest or being taken to the station to post collateral and pay for the offense
• In most states, a signature will be requested if the officer gives a citation. A signature is not an admission of guilt, only receipt of the citation