It’s natural to get nervous when you see a police cruiser’s headlights flashing in your rearview mirror. Getting pulled over for a traffic ticket is an inconvenience at best, and for many drivers can be profoundly nerve-racking. One thing that can help you feel less jittery is to know your rights. Here is a quick review of the legal protections you can claim any time you get pulled over for a traffic ticket.

Remembering Your Rights When You Get Pulled Over

1. The Right to Remain Safe

Just because a police officer is trying to flag you down, that doesn’t mean you have to pull over right then and there. This is particularly true if you’re on a busy highway and it would be unsafe to do so. You always have the right to wait until you are in a safe spot to pull off the road. When possible, give a brief wave to the officer to let them know that you see them.

2. The Right to Remain in Your Car

The officer may ask you to get out of the vehicle, especially if there is a suspicion that you’re driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You have the right to decline this request and to stay in your vehicle. Be warned, however, that this refusal will generally make the police officer more suspicious.

3. The Right Against Self-Incrimination

The Fifth Amendment shelters you against self-incrimination. In other words, you have the right to stay silent. You will need to verbally invoke the Fifth, however. Simply ignoring the police officer can cause the situation to become more heated.

4. The Right Against Sobriety Tests

If you get pulled over for a traffic ticket, but the officer believes you have been drinking, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer test. You can always refuse this, but be wary — doing so means the officer has the right to take you into the police station to conduct a urine test or even to draw blood.

If you ever get pulled over for a traffic ticket, it’s important to remember your rights. If you feel like those rights were violated, seek legal counsel from a personal defense attorney. David S. Washington, Jr., has provided effective legal solutions to defendants throughout Hamilton, OH, for 20 years. Call (513) 751-1400 to speak with a representative from the firm or visit their website.