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No one wants to get pulled over by the authorities. Even with something as innocuous as a warning after a traffic stop, you’re behind schedule and on your toes. However, police officers pull over thousands of motorists on American roads every day. It’s part of the fabric of the U.S. road network. However, law enforcement officers (LEOs) want you to abide by these tips to make a traffic stop as painless as possible. 

Police officers want you to stick with these tips to keep traffic stops smooth, civil, and straightforward

A traffic stop can be nerve-racking. After all, it could be something as simple as a speeding ticket or a fix-it ticket for an inoperative taillight. On the other hand, it could be something much more serious, like a warrant for outstanding parking tickets. Well, if it’s for something as simple as a moving violation, your traffic stop could be easy, breezy, and over quickly. 

If you’re stopped by the police, remain calm. Police officers want you to do the following to keep things civil and straightforward.

  • Signal appropriately and pull over in a safe and timely manner
  • Keep your hands on the steering wheel until instructed to do otherwise
  • Comply with reasonable requests like producing a license, registration, and proof of insurance
  • Let the police officers know if you have a weapon and its location. Do not reach for it unless the LEO requests to see it
  • Follow instructions, avoid becoming confrontational, and don’t resist if the police officer arrests you

Should police officers initiate a traffic stop, they want you to pull over quickly and safely. After all, a precarious stop is a safety concern for everyone involved. Next, you should keep your hands visible as the officer approaches. The best way to do that is to keep your hands on the wheel and in the officer’s line of sight. 

Beyond the initial interaction, remember that respect is reciprocal. Police officers are more likely to treat you with courtesy and respect if you do so as well. Of course, some cops will be short with you; rise above it and be civil.

That said, comply with reasonable instructions and produce documentation when prompted. Moreover, if you have a weapon in your vehicle, inform the officer of its type, status, and location. Never reach for a weapon without a prompt from the officer. Doing so can be misconstrued as hostility.

Source: AAMVA, FindLaw, ACLU

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).