If you are pulled over for a suspected traffic law violation, stay calm. Your actions in the minutes that follow can have serious consequences on your future, impacting the severity of charges you face. Here’s what you should and should not do when a cop stops you on the road.

Do:

Pull over safely.

When you first see flashing blue lights, it’s easy to panic and swerve to the side of the road immediately. Stay safe; slow down, use your turn signal, and pull over to a parking or the shoulder of the road. Roll down your window, turn the engine off, and wait for the officer to approach and explain the traffic law violation.

Be respectful.

Remain polite and cooperate by providing your license and registration when asked. Getting angry will only escalate the situation, which won’t do you any good.

Call 911 if you are uncertain.

Unfortunately, there have been cases where criminals posing as police officers pulled people over with ill intentions. If you have doubts regarding the officer’s identity, call 911 to verify the traffic stop. Explain what you are doing before reaching for your phone.

Don't:

Make sudden moves.

Do not get out of the car or make any quick movements, which the officer may interpret as aggressive. Don’t even reach for your documentation until requested. When asked, explain to the officer that the paperwork is in the glove box before getting it.

Get chatty.

Anything you say can be used against you in court. For instance, if you are pulled over under suspicion of DUI and tell the officer “I just had a beer after work,” you are admitting guilt. The same goes for something like “I guess you pulled me over because I was going too fast.”

Agree to a search.

You are not obligated to consent to this nor do the cops have any right to search your private property. There is an exception: If they see something illegal through the car window, such as drugs on the backseat, they are permitted to search you.

If you are facing a traffic law violation, whether a DUI or speeding ticket, consult an attorney to mitigate the consequences. For help in Northwest Missouri, contact Law Offices of Drew F. Davis in Cameron, MO. With over 20 years of experience, they are known for their extensive legal knowledge and honest client communication. Find out more about their services online. For an appointment, call (816) 632-7575.