Author: Shelby Benavidez  

How to Behave During a Traffic Stop: Step-by-Step Guide 

7 Steps to a Traffic Stop  

Pull Over Safely and Quickly

As soon as you realize the officer is pulling you over, slow down by gradually applying your brakes and turn on your blinker. In most cases, pulling over to the right side of the road in the shoulder is the safest option. If there are public parking lots nearby, you can also pull into the parking lot if you feel safer there. 

Stay in Your Vehicle

Diagram of a steering wheel with numbers showing the clock placement for hands | Daniel Stark Law

Unless the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on and your hands visible, preferably in the 9 and 3 positions on the steering wheel. 

Roll Down Your Windows  

Roll down your driver-side window and any rear windows if you have any passengers in the car. If it’s dark, turn on the interior lights.  

Follow the Officer’s Instructions  

Be respectful and comply with lawful instructions. Officers are trained to look for sudden movements or noncompliance, so stay calm and cooperate to the best of your ability.  

Provide Required Documents  

Drivers are required to provide a valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance if the officer asks for them. Have these documents easily accessible.  

Avoid Sudden Movements  

Let the officer know if you need to reach into your glove box or purse for any necessary documents, and move slowly. Remember the officer doesn’t know you and wants to keep you both as safe as possible.  

Document the Encounter if Needed  

Some states may allow you to record interactions with law enforcement, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their duties. Always inform the officer if you are recording.  

What Should You Do If You Are Being Pulled Over?  

If you can’t pull over immediately because it’s unsafe, such as heavy traffic or poor road conditions, you can continue driving until you find a safe place to stop. You may want to turn on your hazard lights to let the officer know you intend to pull over. Once you find a safe place to stop, stay calm and try not to get frustrated or angry. Regardless of the situation, staying calm and respectful can help ease tensions during the stop.  

Wait for the officer to approach and provide clear instructions. Don’t reach for anything until you’re asked to do so. If you’re carrying a firearm or any item that could raise concern, you should let the officer know immediately so they are aware it’s there and know you don’t have any ill intentions. Any behavior expected of you as a driver is also expected of your passengers. Make sure they remain still and quiet unless the officer is speaking to them, asks them for identification, or to step out of the vehicle. 

What You Should (and Shouldn’t) Say During a Police Stop 

What you say during a traffic stop can make a huge difference in the outcome. Sometimes, remaining polite can result in you receiving a warning instead of a ticket, though this is up to the officer’s discretion. If you don’t understand why you were stopped, you have every right to ask the officer, “May I ask why you pulled me over?” However, a police officer doesn’t have to tell you why they pulled you over. 

In most states, you are required to identify yourself, but other than answering basic questions about who you are, you don’t have to say anything. You aren’t required to volunteer any additional information unless you want to. Always maintain a respectful tone, and if the officer asks you a question that you are not legally required to answer, you can say “I choose to remain silent.” 

Try not to speculate about why you were pulled over or imply that you were at fault. For example, don’t say “Did you pull me over because I was speeding” or “Sorry, officer, I didn’t see the stop sign.” This could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. It’s also important not to argue with the officer. Even if you don’t think you were speeding or you disagree with the officer, any citation issued can be addressed later in court, not on the side of the road. 

What If the Officer Asks to Search Your Vehicle?  

A police officer may ask for your permission to search your car during a traffic stop, but it’s important to understand that you’re not required to give consent. You may respectfully decline a search by stating, “I do not consent to a search.” This is a constitutional right and exercising your rights doesn’t (or shouldn’t) imply that you have something to hide.  

Officers can still search your car if they have specific legal grounds, such as evidence of illegal activity in plain view or other circumstances that create probable cause. If they do search your car, it’s best to remain calm and not physically interfere. If you have concerns about the validity of the search, talk to a lawyer and let the court determine whether or not the officer had grounds to search your vehicle without permission.   

What If the Stop Involves Suspicion of Another Violation?  

It’s possible that an officer may find additional violations during the initial stop. This could be as obvious as expired registration, or passengers engaging in illegal activity. As mentioned above, the officer can conduct a search of your vehicle with probable cause, and drugs in plain sight would satisfy probable cause. It may be frustrating and upsetting, but continue to respond politely and provide necessary documentation. 

If the officer gives you a ticket for one or multiple violations, accept the paperwork and comply with any instructions for follow-up. If you believe the citation was issued in error, contest it in court.  

What If You Believe the Officer Acted Improperly?  

If you believe that an officer was unprofessional or violated your rights during a traffic stop, it’s important to remain calm and not escalate the situation. Don’t argue, raise your voice, or resist any instructions, even if you feel the stop was unjustified. This won’t do you any good and will only make matters worse. Instead, calmly ask for the officer’s name and badge number if it isn’t already visible, or take note of the patrol car number.  

Once the incident is over, consult with an attorney to affirm whether the officer violated your rights. You can also report any unprofessional or indecent behavior by the officer to the internal affairs department at the responding police department. Again, the side of the road isn’t a safe or appropriate place to try and resolve any disputes. It’s safer and more effective to address these issues through formal channels.  

You Have the Right to Remain Silent  

In Texas and throughout the United States, you have the constitutional right to remain silent. You’re required by law to provide your name, driver’s license, and proof of insurance, but you don’t have to answer questions beyond that. If you wish to exercise this right, you should say so clearly by stating, “I choose to remain silent.” This choice is protected by the constitution and can’t legally be used against you.  

Choosing to remain silent and refrain from giving unnecessary information can help prevent misunderstandings or self-incrimination. It’s best to politely let the officer know that you don’t want to say anything else and then stop speaking until the officer finishes the interaction. Exercising your right to remain silent shouldn’t be seen as confrontational because it’s simply a recognition of your constitutional rights.  

You Have the Right to Refuse a Vehicle Search (Without Probable Cause)  

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, and traffic stops in Texas are no exception. Unless the officer has legal cause, such as evidence of a crime in plain view, they have to have your permission before searching your vehicle. If you don’t want to allow a search, the officer must respect that unless other legal exceptions apply.  

It’s worth reiterating that refusing consent is not an admission of guilt. If an officer proceeds with a search even after you’ve said no, document the incident as much as possible. Later, you can consult with a lawyer to determine if the search was lawful. If any charges were brought against you in an unlawful search, the court may exclude the evidence found during the unlawful search or reduce/drop the charges.  

You Have the Right to Record the Interaction  

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides individuals the right to record public officials in public spaces, including during traffic stops. Recording an interaction with a law enforcement officer can serve as a useful record of the event, especially if there is a dispute about what occurred. If you choose to record, you can let the officer know by stating, “I’m recording this for my protection.”  

To avoid creating concern, keep your recording device in plain sight, such as mounted on the dashboard or held in a fixed position. While you have the right to record, you can’t use this as an excuse to interfere with the officer’s duties or create a safety risk. If done properly, recording is a lawful and non-disruptive action.  

Traffic stops are one of the most common ways people interact with law enforcement. Knowing your legal rights during a traffic stop can help protect you legally and physically.  

 By staying calm, following lawful instructions, and knowing your rights, you can protect yourself both legally and physically. You have clear rights to remain silent, refuse certain searches, and record your interactions. When in doubt, comply respectfully during the stop and consult with a lawyer afterward if needed. The more informed you are, the more confidently and safely you can navigate any traffic stop.