-
Step 1
When you see the patrol car in behind you first of all stay calm. Often motorists get so wrapped up in watching the rear view mirror that their driving skills deteriorate right in front of the officers eyes and cause a traffic stop that wasn't going to happen in the first place.
-
Step 2
If the lights come on hit the appropriate turn signal and prepare to pull over and out of traffic at the first place wide enough to get your car off the roadway. If the officer hits his/her siren then don't continue driving up the road but pull as far to the left as possible and stop. Do not slam on the brakes as they usually don't find it amusing and it hurts the good will we are trying to create.
-
Step 3
Once stopped put the car in park, turn on your flashers, and put down the driver's window. If it's night time turn on your dome light as it cancels the effect of any window tint and allows the officer to easily see the inside of your car. Turn off your engine and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Also it's not a bad idea to tell any passengers to keep their hands in plain view. No one should be digging around inside of or under anything looking for I.D.'s or anything else until told to do so. Remember that regardless of what you were stopped for the officer has no idea at this point who you really are.
-
Step 4
Don't be surprised if the officer does not immediately get out of the patrol car and approach you as he may be waiting on radio confirmation of your registration or he may be running the tag on his on-board computer. Also if you notice another patrol unit arriving don't get excited. Some agencies require a second unit to be a back-up if they're available and nearby. Do not get out unless told to do so.
-
Step 5
When you're finally approached by the officer be friendly but polite. When he asks for your I.D./license and registration tell him where it is and then casually reach to get it. Once he has your I.D. he will most likely ask if you know the reason for the stop and if it's obvious and you do just admit it and apologize for the mistake. Tell the officer in a non-argumentative tone that you're normally much more careful in your driving and if he has to issue a citation could he please make it a warning. Often if it's only a simple infraction you may get by with just a verbal at this point. Also, remember to tell your passengers to stay out of this and only address the officer if spoken to. Approaching contact with a traffic officer in this manner will give you a better than average chance of driving away with no ticket at all.
