What do I do if I am pulled over?

Wait for the Officer

If you are pulled over, remain calm. Try to find a well-lit area that is relatively free from moving traffic. If it is night time, turn on the interior dome light of your car and lower your driver's side window. Lower the volume of your stereo and place your hands on your steering wheel.

Present the Officer with Your Information

When the officer requests your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance, you should advise the officer where the items are and slowly reach for them. It is a good idea to produce these items as soon as possible. Consider using a paperclip to affix these items to your driver's license and placing them together in your wallet. This should increase the speed of retrieving these items and will speed up the amount of time that you have to sit on the side of the road.

Citations

Do not argue the violation with the officer on the side of the road. You are entitled to due process for this alleged violation and you can argue your side of the story to a magistrate. Remember, just because you receive a citation does not mean that you are, as far as the state is concerned, guilty. 

When prompted, sign the bottom of the citation, with the same style signature which appears at the bottom of your driver's license. You should receive the yellow copy of the citation with an instruction brochure listing your options.

Show All Answers

1. What is the "Move Over Law"?
2. What do I do if I am pulled over?
3. What are my options if I receive a citation?
4. What if I am not sure if the car pulling me over is really a police car?
5. Just how fast can I drive before the police will give me a ticket?
6. If an officer requests that I stay in my car or get out of my car, do I have to?
7. What should I do if I am in a traffic accident?