Uh-oh. Red and blue lights are flashing in my rear-view mirror... Now what do I do?

Consider the following: Getting pulled over by a police officer can be intimidating, frustrating, and even dangerous for the motorist and the police officer. However, remembering some simple steps will help make your traffic stop as safe and as pleasant as possible. The law states that when a police or fire vehicle using emergency lights and/or sirens approaches, drivers must pull over immediately to the right curb and stop. Respond to the red and blue lights and signal your intentions to let the officer and other motorists know what you plan to do. If the roadway is clear and the officer doesn't pass you, assume that your vehicle is the one being pulled over. Once you’ve stopped, roll down your window so that you may hear any verbal directions from the officer instructing you to move to another location he or she deems safer. Be aware that the violation may have occurred one or two miles before the traffic stop. This delay is due to the fact that most departments have developed strict procedures for officers to follow to ensure your safety and theirs. They are required to give the location, vehicle and occupant description, and license plate to the dispatcher. The officer is also trying to locate the safest place to initiate the stop. Remain in the vehicle unless the officer instructs otherwise. That is safest for you and the officer. Distracted motorists have been known to leave the roadway and strike vehicles or individuals at a traffic stop, causing injury or even death. Listen to the officer and comply with instructions. Drivers often assume they are being stopped for a routine traffic matter, but the officer may be stopping you because your vehicle is similar to one just seen leaving the scene of a crime. Additionally, many people have warrants out for their arrest, are mentally unbalanced, or simply don't like police officers. Many officers have experienced verbal and physical confrontations as a result of traffic stops. Consequently, the officer may initially be acting under the assumption that you are a safety threat. Control over the situation can be accomplished by keeping yourself and your passengers in the vehicle with your hands visible. Generally, the officer will need to converse with only the driver. Have your passengers remain in their seats and quiet unless the officer addresses them directly. If it's a case of mistaken identity, you'll be on your way as soon as it's cleared up. If it's a traffic stop, the officer will request your driver's license, registration and insurance card. The officer may allow you to explain your actions; if so, you should speak calmly. If the officer saw you commit the violation, your statement may not be necessary. If your complaint is about the validity of the citation, then it must be handled through the courts. If the contact was unprofessional, complain to the police department. Police departments have procedures for lodging complaints against officers. Departments want to know if there's a problem with an officer. If you comply with the rationale behind an officer's actions by following these steps, a traffic stop can be a pleasant experience.

Show All Answers

1. What do I do if I am in a traffic crash?
2. Don't the police have better things to do rather than writing tickets?
3. What do I do if I have been pulled over?
4. Does the City of Rolling Meadows allow overnight parking?
5. How can I contest a parking ticket?
6. Where do I pay a parking ticket?
7. I have to go to court. Where is it?
8. Can I drive and talk on my phone or send a text message?
9. If I am driving and I am holding my phone in one hand in speaker mode is that hands free?
10. Uh-oh. Red and blue lights are flashing in my rear-view mirror... Now what do I do?
11. What are the driving rules when a police vehicle is approaching with lights and siren on?
12. When I am driving and come to an intersection with the signals working and emergency personnel on scene, what do I do?
13. How do I report a reckless driver?
14. Can I tow a car in the City just using a chain?
15. I just bought acar and it does not have plates on it. Is it OK to drive it home?
16. My car's license plate expires at the end of the month is there a grace period in renewing my registration?
17. How can I get the moving radar trailer parked in front of my house?
18. Where are the red light cameras located in Rolling Meadows?
19. I received a red light camera violation, what do I do?
20. Do the red light cameras take a picture of the driver?
21. Can I dispute a photo enforced ticket without expensive court costs?
22. Does the camera flash and I automatically get a ticket?
23. Why does Rolling Meadows need red light cameras?
24. Why aren't police officers monitoring the red light camera intersections?
25. Is the red light camera program a way for the City to make money?
26. Why don't police officers monitor school bus stop arms?
27. I was not driving at the time of my red light violation, now what?