How to Handle a Traffic Stop

At some time you may be pulled over a police officer. While those flashing lights in your mirror seem scary, you can help make the experience less stressful for you and the officer.

First, bear in mind that the police officer is at least as anxious as you are and probably more so. Any officer who approaches an unknown vehicle has to be prepared for trouble. You can help ease the situation by behaving in a calm and predictable way. That's why the following advice was developed by the Community Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Justice with the help of troopers from across the country. Whenever you are pulled over by a trooper, follow these guidelines.

Pull the vehicle off the road.
Remain calm and do not argue.
Remain in the vehicle unless you are ordered out.
Turn off the motor, headlights, radio, and cell phone.
Turn on your flasher lights.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel where they can be seen.
Roll down the driver's side window.
Comply with the officer's requests.
Tell the officer what you want to do before taking any actions.
Tell the officer where your license and registration are before you retrieve them.