Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Legal
  4. / Criminal Law
  5. / Police Enforcement
  6. / 9-1-1 Calls

by keithold is a prodigal bagger on July 18th, 2009

keithold is a prodigal bagger

Question

Help answer this question below.

What should you do if the police pull you over?

This question references this URL.
  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 33 helpful answers below.

  • by philosopher-saint on July 18th, 2009

    philosopher-saint

    Gun it and get the bejeeezus outta there pronto!
    ;-)

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by CaRbOnPrOdUcK is Baccuss on July 18th, 2009

    CaRbOnPrOdUcK is Baccuss

    Run for your life

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by merry1 in a Texican COAT on July 18th, 2009

    merry1 in a Texican COAT

    1. Pull over in a safe place.
    2. If you are SURE it is a real cop, roll down your window. If unsure, talk through the window and ask to see their identification. No cop will hold it against you for doing this. Calling 911 to verify was right in this video, but once the identification is confirmed she needs to do what they say.
    3. When they ask, show your driver's license, registration, and insurance. If they are in your glove compartment, say so before reaching for it.
    4. If they ask you if you know why you were stopped, if in doubt say so, don't guess.
    5. Be polite and courteous at all times.

    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin on July 18th, 2009

    Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin

    offer them doughnuts and coffee?

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by The Chief on July 18th, 2009

    The Chief

    I roll down my window, turn the car off, and keep both hands on the wheel.

    When I had tinted windows, I rolled down ALL my windows so the officer could see in the car easily.

    Then, when the officer comes up, I'm the epitome of politness and do everything he says and answer all his questions. When he asks for my driver's license, registration, and insurance, I tell him where they are BEFORE I take my hands off the wheel so the officer knows where I'm reaching.

    A police officer has enough to worry about whenever he pulls somebody over. Regardless of what you, I, or anyone else thinks about it, the fact remains that from his perspective he's pulled over an unknown. He doesn't know who you are, he doesn't know if you're armed, he doesn't know if you have a temper, he doesn't know if you're on drugs or drunk, he doesn't know if you have buddies in the car, and he doesn't know if you're gonna go psycho on him.

    So the absolute BEST thing you can do is everything possible to put him at ease, show him you are a responsible person with consideration for the dangers he has to deal with, and be the most polite person he's had to deal with all day, if not all year!

    Even if you do end up still getting a ticket, your good manners may go a LONG way in reducing the charges against you...both while he's writing your ticket and in court later.


    <EDIT>

    By the way: having read about fake police officers pulling people over, I totally agree with what the lady did when she called 911 to verify the authenticity of the officer who pulled her over. However, once he's been verified as legitimate, you MUST do as the officer says. Pulling the stunt she did did NOT help her case!

    I must wonder if she's got some other problems we don't know about. She could have been just scared, though.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Wynper on July 18th, 2009

    Wynper

    Here are some good links that will help answer your question.

    http://public.findlaw.com/traffic-ticket-violation-law/traffic-stop-searches/traffic-stop-rights.html

    1. Keep Your Private Items Out of View
    2. Be Courteous & Non-Confrontational
    3. Just Say “No” to Warrantless Searches
    4. Determine if You Can Leave
    5. Do Not Answer Questions without Your Attorney Present
    6. Do Not Physically Resist

    Read a full article at the link below that details the list above.

    http://www.flexyourrights.org/traffic_stop_scenario

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Stargater on July 18th, 2009

    Stargater

    Ask to see their ID!
    Can't be too careful these days.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Aphrodite loves Mentos on July 18th, 2009

    Aphrodite loves Mentos

    Hide your empty beer cans under your seat.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by MRSHINYSHOES on July 18th, 2009

    MRSHINYSHOES

    Remain calm, show respect, and be willing to provide any information the officer may require from you. Never be belligerent, disrespectful, or obstinate. In other words, don't act like a jerk.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by j ninja... on July 18th, 2009

    j ninja...

    Shit first.. then say "Hello Officer" ¿

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by anonymous on July 18th, 2009

    anonymous

    If it is for a minor traffic violation such as speeding or something like that, then just smile politely, ask why you were pulled over, if you are guilty of what you're being accused of, agree that you were speeding and ask to given a warning...if you don't ask, you won't receive one. Once the ticket is written, they will not rip it up, they really can't. IF you are being accused of a crime, remain silent. Be polite but tell them ONCE that you would like to speak with your attorney and will not answer any questions until you do. Then SHUT UP. If they try to ask you anything at all, like 'would like a soda?' you can answer at your own peril because once you speak again you need to AGAIN say "I want to speak to my attorney." Then again, shut up. Don't talk. It's your ONLY real right in this situation, use it. Let your communication with the police be through your attorney whether you are innocent or guilty. There are a lot of people sitting in prison for crimes they did not commit because they put themselves at the scene of the crime simply by answering supposedly simple innocent questions. Really, you can answer all their questions THROUGH YOUR ATTORNEY. You have the right to remain silent. Use it! IF you lie, that is a crime but it is NOT a crime for the police to lie to you. They can legally LIE to you if they suspect you've been involved in a crime and trick you with false promises. ONLY SPEAK THROUGH YOUR ATTORNEY. 99% of crimes are "solved" by confession.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Dmitri on July 18th, 2009

    Dmitri

    Hand over your license and registration like the patrolmen asks. You could try to charm them with a cute excuse. Just don't bribe them, unless you really know them and know that they will take the joke. :)

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Nancy on July 18th, 2009

    Nancy

    Listen to their instructions and do what they tell you.

    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Tom 47 is back in his bear COAT on July 18th, 2009

    Tom 47 is back in his bear COAT

    Be courteous. Do not say, "Well, you got me, Barney, now what do you have me for? Did Andy give you your bullet today?" (lol) Or, "Well, Wojo, do you not quite have your quota of tickets for the day?"

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Ken44 on July 18th, 2009

    Ken44

    just pull over and answer the questions with a yes sir/mam and stay calm

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on July 18th, 2009

    Anonymous

    If you're a female, keep red dye in your car so when you get pulled over you can pour the dye in between your legs and say you're on your period.

    Most cops won't mess with that.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by HEYTHERE on July 18th, 2009

    HEYTHERE

    Keep both hands on the steering wheel. They have a gun and I don't.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Carl_07 on July 18th, 2009

    Carl_07

    Turn my music down!

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Ironkettle on July 18th, 2009

    Ironkettle

    Lock your doors (they need consent). Have your information ready. Listen, respond courteously. Talk with confidence. Use "not to my knowledge" when he asks what you did wrong, he will inform you and you are not lying.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot on July 18th, 2009

    Sharona Life is a Tale Told by an Idiot

    Oh God. I wish I didn't know the answer to this. Try and shut up and only answer what they ask. Be very nice, follow instructions to the letter and don't volunteer one thing. They are not your friends.

    • Like
    • Report

    4 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by -Icy- on July 18th, 2009

    -Icy-

    i always look real innocent like i had no clue then gush, has worked so far.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by MarthaStewart on July 18th, 2009

    MarthaStewart

    Buy some tickets to the Policeman's ball? Seriously, I don't know anything about insider trading. >:-(

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by james.freakin.curtis on July 18th, 2009

    james.freakin.curtis

    You should keep in the car, shut down your engine, and keep you hands on the wheel so that they can trust that you aren't going to try anything.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Evanfris25 on July 18th, 2009

    Evanfris25

    this will help alot.
    .

    http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/7017124

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by darjetii on July 18th, 2009

    darjetii

    act casual and cool and when the cop gets up to your window say sup officer want to see my license and registration? in a cool way to show him that he has nothing on you

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on July 18th, 2009

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    Get his number

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by sophiesmom on July 18th, 2009

    sophiesmom

    whatever they say

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Don Gorgeous George on July 18th, 2009

    Don Gorgeous George

    I've been pulled over around 20 times, 4 times in the last two weeks. I've found that the best thing to do to get the most respect from an officer is to signal, pull over, roll down your window, turn on your interior light if it is night time, turn off your engine, and put your hands on the top of the steering wheel so that the officer feels safe. Be respectful and cooperate with the officer. He will be grateful for your cooperation and for making his job easier and much more likely to let you go. After all, he is another person doing a job, he has a family he wants to go home to at night. The worst things you can do in my experience is lie to an officer if you know he will find out about it and show disrespect.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by kizzygirl on July 18th, 2009

    kizzygirl

    Just do exactly like The Chief said and you will be fine.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Gnome of Kevonia is a Cheerwine junkie on July 18th, 2009

    Gnome of Kevonia is a Cheerwine junkie

    Be very respectful to the officer.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by vincentcent on July 18th, 2009

    vincentcent

    Be calm, sign the ticket, and hope the officer is not a dick about it. If it night I would turn on the dome light. Cops like being able to see what they are getting into.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on July 18th, 2009

    Anonymous

    http://www.erowid.org/freedom/police/police_consent1.shtml

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by EmptyWallet on September 11th, 2009

    EmptyWallet

    LIke many have said "Be Polite" they have enough crap from idiots and they WILL do a "Payback" on you.

    I have never done this, but you can try.

    Have a $20 "stuck" to the license and hand it over with the registration and ins paper.

    If they claim "Hey! You're trying to bribe me!"

    "Oh gee officer I don't know how that happened! I had it in there, but didn't notice it was stuck to the license"

    If they let you off with a warning, and the $20 is gone, you know they are scum. Have some sort of video camera at the ready. Good way to get those fired!!

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What should you do if the police pull you over?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

What to do if the cops pull you over stoned
Do cops pull you over in a emergency
What is the penal codes for california for tinted windows on ur car
Police pull me over should i put my hands on the wheel
Why should you not show your driving liceience to cops when yhry pull you over

Answerbag

a Demand Media company