Being Pulled Over by Law Enforcement

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• You have the right to remain silent.
1. You do not have to answer about where you were or where you are going
2. If you wish to exercise this right - say it out loud
3. It is required you provide your name - you must ID yourself
4. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country.
5. Try to stay calm

Please keep in mind…..

• You may have committed some minor traffic violation without realizing it
• There may be some problem with your vehicle of which you are unaware
• You might be driving a car that is similar to one used in a serious crime.

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Slow down and pull over as soon as possible.

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If the car is unmarked: slow down and head to a well-lighted populated spot and pull over. If you are unsure - you can call 311 - non emergency #

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Being Pulled Over By Law Enforcement

• Stay in your seat
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel
• Turn the interior light on (if dark out)
• Officer can approach from either side of the car
• Do not reach for anything until asked to do so

Comply with the officer’s request

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• They will ask to see driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• If these items are in the glove box, under the seat or display on your cell phone, inform the office of that fact and then follow his/her directions before retrieving them.

If you are issued a ticket requiring a signature - Sign It.

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• Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt - only an acknowledgement of receiving the ticket.
• Do not argue! You will have your day in court.
• Do not resist arrest
• Be cooperative
• Tell your passengers to be quiet.

If you are suspected of Drunk Driving

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• Cooperate with the officer on the scene.
• If you refuse to submit to breath, blood or field-sobriety tests, your refusal could result in loss of driving privileges!

If you wish

To offer an explanation of your circumstances when stopped, do so before the officer returns to his vehicle. The officer cannot void the ticket once it has been written. Cooperate during the incident even if you believe you have not committed an offense. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, present your case in traffic court and not to the officer along the roadway.

You are to be treated with dignity and respect!

If you believe that an officer has acted inappropriately during a traffic stop or other encounter, you should report that conduct as soon as possible to the officer’s superiors.

• Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
• If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
• File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

Officer’s are required to

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Provide their names

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Badge numbers upon your request