If you are stopped by a police officer…
When you see blue flashing lights in the rearview mirror– remain calm.  A police cruiser wants you to stop your vehicle. Officers may stop drivers when they see a traffic violation or if the person or vehicle matches the description of someone in an investigation. These “checks” usually involve the officer asking for your license and registration. The officer may ask where you’ve been and where you are going. These simple questions can be stressful for the driver being stopped!

Here are some tips for cooperating and staying safe in traffic. Be polite and respectful– never bad-mouth a police officer. Stay calm and in control of your  emotions. Police officers are trained for survival and safety in order to do their job.

1. As soon as you see you are being stopped, signal, slow down and pull over as soon as possible. Position your vehicle as far from traffic as you can.
2. Roll down your window so that you can communicate with the officer. Turn off your engine, the music and anything noisy.
3. Stay in your car and wait for the officer to approach. Do not get out of the vehicle unless asked to do so. Keep your safety belt fastened and ask your passengers to keep their belts fastened.
4. Keep your hands in plain view, preferrably on the steering wheel. Ask your passengers to keep their hands in plain view also. Do not make any movement that will make the officer think you are hiding or reaching for something.
5. Keep proper identification easily accessible: a valid driver’s license, proof of vehicle registration and proof of insurance (if your state requires it). If the officer asks for these documents, tell him or her where they are and reach for them slowly, keeping one hand on the steering wheel.
6. If the officer is driving an unmarked car or is not in uniform, ask to see his or her identification.
7. Answer the officer’s questions fully and clearly. If you don’t understand something, ask the officer questions calmly and politely.
8. If you are given a ticket, you should sign it, otherwise you can be arrested. This is not an admission of guilt and you will have your chance to make your case when you go to court
9. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
10. If the officer suspects you of drunk driving (DWI) and you refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended.

Wherever possible, cooperate fully, let the officer do his or her job then you can go about your business.