
Being pulled over by the cops is rarely a stress-free experience, even if it's just a routine stop where you haven't done anything wrong. There are various things you can do to ease your own tension and avoid exacerbating the situation however, and understanding why cops do what they do can help to make you less anxious.
In most cases, the cops that pull you over are as wary as you are, so if you haven't done anything wrong and you're not a criminal on the run, complying and remaining cordial is a good first step. Knowing how to react and what to expect will certainly help you in this regard, so here's how to respond to being signaled for a traffic stop and what that typically entails.
What To Do When Police Stop Your Car
If you've been pulled over by the cops, or are being signaled to do so, here are some helpful steps to follow:
- Pull Over Immediately - As soon as you notice the flashing lights and/or siren of the police car behind you, look for a safe area out of the way of other traffic, and pull over. You should either activate your hazard lights or indicate where you're going to pull over and make sure you are not obstructing any other traffic.
- Put Car in Neutral/Park - Once you've found a safe area to stop, be sure to put your car into neutral or park with the handbrake up so that the police are ensured that you're not planning on speeding off at any moment. This also prevents accidentally rolling forward or back while you are engaging with the police officers and causing damage. You may turn your car off, too.
Read more - What To Expect When The Cops Pull You Over And The Strange Things That Can Happen