Seeing flashing blue lights in the rearview mirror can be a scary time. When stopped by police, you should always stay calm and respectful. Starting a traffic stop with a bad attitude can result in a law enforcement officer taking a dim view of any mistakes made on the road.
Find a safe place to stop
A traffic stop begins when an officer decides to pull over your car. Your role is to turn on your warning lights and find a safe place to stop. The location you choose to stop needs to be big enough for your car and the police vehicle. Whether you are speeding, suspected of a DUI, or distracted by your phone you should correctly start the traffic stop.
Stay in your vehicle
It can be tempting to get out of your vehicle when you are waiting for the police officer to walk over to your window. The correct procedure during a DUI traffic stop is to wind down your window and turn off your ignition. Even if you know your license or registration is in the glove box do not begin looking for them. An officer can believe you are reaching for a weapon and take action.
Do not argue
Remaining respectful during a traffic stop can be the difference between a ticket and a verbal warning. A law enforcement officer has decided you have made a mistake when driving and is unlikely to change their mind. Listening to what the officer has to say and positively acknowledging their criticisms can help you escape with a warning instead of a ticket.
During a traffic stop, you do have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions. Maintaining a dignified approach to your interaction with law enforcement can help you avoid further problems.