Traffic Stops: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do
How to be prepared during a traffic stop
Being pulled over by the police can be both nerve-wracking and expensive. Besides the potential fine, you may receive points on your driver’s license and a hike in your insurance premiums.
Here are some general tips on what you should and should not do if you are pulled over. As a LegalShield individual or family plan member, you have coverage for all non-criminal and non-commercial moving violations. If you receive a ticket, contact your LegalShield provider law firm right away.
- If pulled over you should first pull safely off the road, turn your interior light on at night and keep your hands on the steering wheel where they can be seen.
- Avoid searching and moving around in your vehicle while waiting for the officer to approach. Don't take off your seatbelt until the officer has made contact with you.
- Comply with the officer’s requests for your name, driver's license, registration, and insurance information. If you need to look around in your glove box, purse, or wallet for those items, let the officer know you need to do so.
- Do not exit the vehicle unless you are directed to do so by the officer.
- It is important to be polite and cooperative. Avoid arguing with the officer. Save any objections or arguments for court. Ultimately a judge will decide if the ticket is valid.
- You are not required to consent to a search of your car. If the officer searches over your objection, stay calm, and tell the officer you object to the search but do not physically resist the search.
Your LegalShield lawyer is here for you
LegalShield provider law firms frequently assist members who receive traffic citations. Calling right away will help ensure a lawyer is available for your court date and has time to prepare your case. Become a member today.
LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to LegalShield Members through member-based participation. Neither LegalShield nor its officers, employees or sales associates directly or indirectly provide legal services, representation or advice. See a plan contract for specific state of residence for complete terms, coverage, amounts, and conditions. This is not intended to be legal advice. Please contact an attorney for legal advice or assistance. If you are a LegalShield member, you should contact your Provider Law Firm.
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