How to Talk With Police During a Traffic Stop

Most of us have been stopped by the police at one time or another while driving. To say that it can be stressful is an understatement. It doesn’t matter whether you think you’ve done anything “wrong” or not – having those lights flash in your rearview mirror, or seeing the cop wave you over at an organized DUI checkpoint, can send your heart racing and your blood pressure soaring. When the pressure is on, it can be difficult to know what you can and can’t say or do.

The LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team has put together this guide to help. Read it over a couple of times so that you remember the tips we’ve included. Our hope is that it will help you remember what your rights are when you find yourself in a police stop situation at some point in the future. And if you need further help, reach out to us. You can reach us by filling out our online contact form or by calling us at 888.535.3686.

Vehicle Stops Are Different Than Other Kinds of Stops

When you’re in a vehicle, you are subject to different rules than if you’re walking along the street and are stopped by a police officer. Here is what you need to remember if you are in your car and the police pull you over or stop you at a checkpoint.

What You Should Do

As a general rule, try to stay calm. Speak politely to the officer, and try not to provoke a confrontation. As you will see below, that does not mean you cannot assert your rights. Just try to do so in a polite way.

Keep your hands visible, and don’t make sudden moves. What you may not realize is that the traffic stop is also stressful for the police officer. It’s an unknown situation, and if you do anything to make the officer feel as though they are in danger, the situation is likely to get much more stressful for both of you.

What You Have to Do

Because in this scenario, you are driving a vehicle when you’re stopped, you must provide the police with your driver’s license, the vehicle’s registration, and the insurance card.

If the officer reasonably believes you have been operating your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, you may be asked to take a field sobriety test. You can choose whether or not to take the test, but if you refuse, it is likely your license will be suspended, even if your alcohol level is zero or below the legal limit.

What You Don’t Have to Do

When it comes to answering questions beyond identifying who you are (you must give your actual name), you have more options.

You do not have to answer questions about where you were or where you are going, or anything else. You should state that you are taking advantage of your right to remain silent. That does not mean the police won’t keep trying to ask you questions. But you do not have to answer them.

You do not have to consent to having you or your vehicle searched. If the officer orders you to exit your vehicle and begins searching you or your vehicle anyway, you can state that you do not consent to the search, but should not take any steps to try to stop the officer from doing so.

If you are arrested, you still do not have to speak to the police. You can tell them that you are continuing to exercise your right to remain silent and that you want a lawyer.

The LLF Law Firm Can Help if You Are Facing Charges After a Vehicle Stop

The experienced attorneys from the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team have defended clients all across Pennsylvania who have been charged after being stopped by police. We understand the laws, regulations, and procedures that apply in these kinds of cases, and are here to fight for your rights and to defend you against the charges you face.

Don’t try to defend yourself when you are facing a DUI or any other kind of serious criminal charge following a traffic stop! Place the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team phone number in your phone at 888.535.3686, to contact easily should you need defense in encountering police. You can also fill out our online contact form. We will contact you to schedule a confidential consultation where you can tell us about your case, and we will explain how we can help.