If you are pulled over

By the end of this topic you can

• You can respond safely to flashing lights and a siren behind you.
• You can choose a safe place to stop and signal your intention.
• You can behave in a way that keeps the stop calm and safe.
• You can show your license, registration and proof of insurance when asked.
• You can explain your options for dealing with a ticket afterward.

What you need to know and understand

• When a police vehicle signals you to stop, you must pull over as soon as it is safe to do so.
• You are normally expected to show your driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance when asked.
• Whether you may show proof of insurance on your phone depends on your state; check your state manual.
• In states that ask you to sign a ticket, signing usually means you promise to respond, not that you admit guilt.
• You can dispute a ticket later in court; the roadside is not the place to argue it.
• Fleeing or refusing to stop for police is a serious crime in every state.

Pulling over the right way

1. Stay calm, check your mirrors and turn on your right turn signal.
2. Slow down and move to the right shoulder or a safe spot clear of traffic. Avoid stopping on a bridge, in a curve or in a live lane if you can.
3. Stop, put the car in park and turn off the engine.
4. Turn off the radio and put your phone down. At night, turn on the interior light.
5. Lower your window and keep both hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them.

During the stop

Stay in the car unless the officer asks you to get out. Wait for the officer to ask for your documents, then tell them where the documents are before you reach for them, for example 'My registration is in the glove box.' Move slowly.

Be polite and answer simply. Passengers should also stay seated and keep their hands visible. If you are unsure whether the vehicle behind you is really police, you can drive slowly with your hazard lights on to a well-lit, public place, or call 911 to check.

• Do: keep your hands visible, speak calmly and follow instructions.
• Do not: get out and walk toward the police car, make sudden movements or argue about the ticket.

After you drive away

You may get a warning, a ticket or a repair order for a faulty part such as a broken light. Read the ticket carefully and note the deadline to respond. You can usually pay it, or plead not guilty and go to court. If you feel you were treated unfairly, write down the officer's name and badge number and report it later through the proper channel.

Common mistakes

• Stopping suddenly in a live lane. Signal, slow down and pull over where it is safe.
• Digging around for papers before being asked. Wait, then explain what you are reaching for.
• Getting out of the car without being told to. Stay seated with hands on the wheel.
• Arguing at the roadside. Save any dispute for court.

Test yourself: If you are pulled over

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Pulled Over as a New Driver in the US