Know Your Rights When Pulled Over By Police - Tips To Keep You Safe & Ticket Free!

People have such differing levels of stress when they see those flashing blue lights. Some take it in stride, while others freak out! :)

When the time comes (and it does at some point for all of us..) it's important to get your car pulled over in a timely fashion. The point here is that you get your car over, without slamming on the brakes and causing the Police to crash into you, or have to brake hard to avoid it. You'll also want to make sure you use your turn signal and assure plenty of space between your car and the road, so they have plenty of room for the trip back and forth between the vehicles. Play it calm and casual.

There's a very important phrase when dealing with law enforcement...

"Reasonable Cause"

Once you're pulled over and waiting for the officer to approach your vehicle, DON'T make a lot of movements. Police are trained to watch for certain movements, including any dropping of shoulders (which indicates moving, hiding or grabbing something) In the stress of the moment and the desire to leave said moment as soon as possible, many people go for all the stuff they know they will be asked for.

DON'T!

If the officer sees anything that he or she feels could warrant it, they will ask you to get out of the car, search the car and in some cases, insist that you take a test or even come back to the local police station as a precaution. Wait for them to ask for your license and registration and get it for them then. Remember...play it cool and collected!

One of the other ways folks get themselves into more trouble than they bargained for, is talking too much. It may sound like a simplistic piece of advice, but just answer the questions they ask you. Don't add onto your answers and don't offer more than what was asked for. Keep it simple and to the point. Stay calm and be polite, but keep the extra chit-chat to a minimum! Remember...if they have anything that sounds like reasonable cause, they can create that mountain out of a mole hill.