What should I do if I get pulled over by the police? That’s a common question to ask when you see the flashing lights of a police cruiser in your rear view mirror. Here are some thoughts to commit to memory for the next time that the police stop you.
There’s Always A Reason
Did you know that the police can’t stop your car merely because they are suspicious that you might have committed a crime? Indeed, they must have a probable cause before they turn on their lights to initiate the road stop. Typical reasons that you might get pulled over include (1) speeding, (2) broken taillight, (3) expired license plate tags, and (4) any other driving infraction.
Here’s What I Should Do If I Get Pulled Over
Here are five things to remember to do when you get pulled over by the cops. It’s typical to feel a little queasy when you’re about to interact with the police; no one wants a ticket after all. Still, you can reduce your anxiety level by keeping the following steps in mind.
Police stopping a driver to question him
- Pull safely to the side of the road as quickly as possible
- Turn off the ignition and roll down the window
- Take out your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance card
- Keep your hands in plain view
- Be polite when speaking with the officer
Don’t forget that the police officer doesn’t know you and is also worried about their safety during the traffic stop. Following the above tips will go a long way toward ensuring a pleasant encounter.
Can The Police Search Your Car?
Can the police search your vehicle for drugs and weapons during a traffic stop? The answer to this question depends on such things as the reason for the traffic stop and whether the police have probable cause to think that they’ll find evidence of a crime in your car. In general, the cops can’t look in your vehicle simply because you blew through a red light.
You may always say no when the police ask to search your car. It might not work, and if the cops have probable cause, such as your license plate matching the getaway vehicle, it’s usually legal for them to search your car when they pull you over. If a search of your automobile turns up incriminating evidence, your lawyer will try to get it tossed out of your case by arguing that the search wasn’t legal.
Lastly, if you’re asking yourself, “What should I do if I get pulled over?” you’ve come to the right place. Using our tips for how to interact with the police will lead to a less stressful encounter and may help you to go about your day more quickly.
If things go sour and you end up in jail, contact us at Gibson Bail Bonds for help in a fast exit from behind bars.
