How to Behave When Stopped by the Police

You're running a little late.  On the highway, maybe you push a little harder on the go pedal than you should.  On a local street, you floor it to make the light but it does turn red just before you get there.  Then you glance in the rear-view mirror and there are the flashing colored lights.

Here are some tips on how to make the next few minutes a little less painful.

- Pull over as soon as possible - acknowledging that you are being pulled over will get the whole thing over with sooner.

- Make sure that where you pull over is safe for both yourself and the officer.  On a highway, move far enough into the shoulder that no one is in danger of being hit.

- Open your window, especially if you have dark tint, and at night, turn on your interior lights.  An officer generally will not approach a vehicle he/she can not see inside.  This will help prevent the added time (and embarrassment) of having additional officers called to the scene.

- Keep steady in your seat, and make sure any passengers do the same.  Sudden movements or scrambling around in the car make police suspicious.  Place your hands visible to the officer, preferably on the wheel.  Remain buckled up.

- When the officer reaches you, be civil in your tone.  The less confrontational you are, the easier and quicker the stop will be.

- When asked to produce your license and other paperwork, tell the officer where it is before you reach for them... especially if your wallet is in your back pocket, or if you need to reach across to the glove compartment.

- Never try to come up with an "excuse" - police officers have heard them all.  If you are in an emergency situation, ask the officer for assistance and provide any proof you can of the emergency.

- Answer the officer's questions quickly and honestly.  If you have something to hide, it will show up on the computer and will just make things worse.

- When the officer has released you to proceed on your way, don't let the stress of the situation cause you to pull away aggressively.  Signal your way back into the flow of traffic and drive carefully.

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