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What to say when a cop says do you know why I pulled you over?
Keep It Simple The officer might ask “Do you know why I stopped you?” If you answer at all, your answer should always be “No.” Similarly, if the officer asks “Do you know how fast you were going?,” the best answer is “Yes.” The officer may then tell you how fast you were going but do not argue.
Why do police officers touch the rear tail light?
Police officers will often briefly tap your car’s tail light before approaching the window. “Leaving a thumbprint on the brake light is an old-school way to tag a car with a fingerprint, so it can be identified conclusively as the vehicle involved in a stop should the officer become incapacitated,” explains Hoelscher.
How do you react when a police officer pulls you over?
Reacting to Being Pulled Over Know your rights. Look for a convenient spot to pull over. Relax. Roll down your driver’s side window and any tinted windows. Don’t speak first. Keep your answers non-committal and brief. Follow any orders given by the officer. Know when an officer can legally search your car.
Can a police officer pull you over without probable cause?
A police officer cannot pull you over without probable cause. Reasons such as your age, race or the type of car you drive are not probable cause for a traffic stop. If you believe that you’ve been pulled over for an illegal reason, record the interaction between yourself and the police officer, if possible.
How do you ask a police officer why they stopped you?
Do not insist that the officer tell you why you were stopped. Instead, just reply, “Sure” or “Of course,” and hand over the documents. If you have to reach into your glove compartment, purse, or pocket, you can tell the officer that you will need to do so and wait for permission.
Is it dangerous to talk to the police during a traffic stop?
The reality is police officers are killed during routine traffic stops, and for this reason, officers will always approach the situation as though you are dangerous. The following tips can help you talk to police, keep yourself safe, and maybe even prevent an arrest or a ticket.