Expectations

What Motorists Can Expect

One of the most common questions asked by motorist is, “What am I suppose to do if a police officer pulls me over?”

Here is what you, as a motorist can expect:

The officer may activate the overhead red lights, horn/siren to gain your attention.
Additional officers may arrive as a back-up.
Officers will advise you why you are being stopped.
The officer will request you present your driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration and insurance card.

Officers may search your vehicle if:

You cannot produce proof of ownership or registration for the vehicle.
Probable cause exists that your vehicle contains evidence of a crime or contains illegal materials.
You are arrested or your vehicle is impounded.

Officers may issue a traffic summons:

Motorists can expect to be treated fairly, courteously and in a professional manner.
If in an isolated or remote area, you may request the officer follow you to a safer location.
If you are pulled over by a plain clothes officer, you may request the presence of a uniformed officer/vehicle.

Driver should safely and promptly drive the vehicle to the right side of the roadway and stop.
Driver and occupants should keep their hands in plain view and stay in the car unless told otherwise.
Driver should have driver’s license, registration and insurance card ready for the officer.
Driver should not make any sudden movements. Advise the officer if you need to enter your glove compartment to retrieve your driver’s license, registration or insurance card.
Driver should not debate the issuance of a summons on the highway; any disputes will be settled in court.
As a courtesy and for your own personal safety, drivers should turn on the vehicle’s interior lighting during evening and early morning hours.