Chief's Corner
Cop-Stop survival guide
Ron Levine
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Columns
Moving violations are the most common reason a vehicle is stopped by a police officer. Reasons include speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign or red light, failure to use a turn signal or not having a child properly restrained in a child seat. Equipment violations are the next reason an officer may stop your car. Examples of these violations are: expired registration, a broken taillight or a headlight out.
Here are some rules of the road to remember while driving:
Carry proper identification - When driving, have your valid drivers license, current vehicle registration and proof of valid insurance. If you are stopped and you do not have all of these items, you may be issued a citation. It is the driver's responsibility (not the owner's) to be sure these things are in place.
Monitor occupants - Passengers throwing trash or a lit cigarette out the window, or consuming or possessing alcohol in the vehicle are the drivers' responsibility. The driver must ensure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts and that children are properly secured in a child restraint seat.
Signal your intentions - You must signal your intent to turn or change lanes 100 feet, or approximately 6 car lengths, before performing the action. Be sure to look over your shoulder and check your mirrors before making your turn. ?
Five easy steps to follow if your vehicle is pulled over by a police officer:
Keep the lines of communication open.
Pull to the right and stop your vehicle as far out of the traffic lane as possible. Make sure you turn on your flashers and indicate to the officer you are going to comply.
Stay in your vehicle and turn on the interior light if it's nighttime. Good lighting assists with good communication. Relax and remain in your vehicle unless the officer directs you otherwise. If you leave the vehicle without being asked to, you subject yourself and the officer to the dangers of traffic on the roadway.
Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license, registration and proof of registration. Do not take off your seatbelt.
Police officers are trained to ask for identification first and provide an explanation second. Present the documentation as requested and then wait for the officer to explain the reason you were stopped. Providing your documentation will simplify and speed up the process. Remember, most often officers are in uniform with their name displayed. You have the advantage of knowing who you are dealing with. Extend the courtesy by providing the requested identification without argument.
If you do not agree with the citation, you have the right to question the citation before a judge. If you have an issue with the officer's demeanor at the scene, every police department has an internal affairs system in place to investigate citizen complaints.
Following these guidelines may not get you out of a citation, but it will make the contact with the police officer a better experience for the both of you.
Here are some rules of the road to remember while driving:
Carry proper identification - When driving, have your valid drivers license, current vehicle registration and proof of valid insurance. If you are stopped and you do not have all of these items, you may be issued a citation. It is the driver's responsibility (not the owner's) to be sure these things are in place.
Monitor occupants - Passengers throwing trash or a lit cigarette out the window, or consuming or possessing alcohol in the vehicle are the drivers' responsibility. The driver must ensure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts and that children are properly secured in a child restraint seat.
Signal your intentions - You must signal your intent to turn or change lanes 100 feet, or approximately 6 car lengths, before performing the action. Be sure to look over your shoulder and check your mirrors before making your turn. ?
Five easy steps to follow if your vehicle is pulled over by a police officer:
Keep the lines of communication open.
Pull to the right and stop your vehicle as far out of the traffic lane as possible. Make sure you turn on your flashers and indicate to the officer you are going to comply.
Stay in your vehicle and turn on the interior light if it's nighttime. Good lighting assists with good communication. Relax and remain in your vehicle unless the officer directs you otherwise. If you leave the vehicle without being asked to, you subject yourself and the officer to the dangers of traffic on the roadway.
Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer to request your license, registration and proof of registration. Do not take off your seatbelt.
Police officers are trained to ask for identification first and provide an explanation second. Present the documentation as requested and then wait for the officer to explain the reason you were stopped. Providing your documentation will simplify and speed up the process. Remember, most often officers are in uniform with their name displayed. You have the advantage of knowing who you are dealing with. Extend the courtesy by providing the requested identification without argument.
If you do not agree with the citation, you have the right to question the citation before a judge. If you have an issue with the officer's demeanor at the scene, every police department has an internal affairs system in place to investigate citizen complaints.
Following these guidelines may not get you out of a citation, but it will make the contact with the police officer a better experience for the both of you.
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