6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

Some people find it quite stressful when the blue lights flash in their rear-view mirror, so we've put together a comprehensive list of things to avoid doing if you don't want to get in even more trouble
6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

Don't run

6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

I know, it can be tempting to try your luck, but there really isn’t much in it for you. Chances are the cops already have your license plate number, so even if you do manage to slip through the net, you’ll just get a knock on your front door instead. That small fine for being a bit naughty just got ramped up to something a lot more serious.

Don't be rude or argumentative

6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

It always winds me up when I see people hating on the police, because in the real world, they play a vital role in keeping all of us safe. Unfortunately, just like us, they’re human, so that means they can have bad days. It also means that there are some idiots who wear police uniforms. Therefore you will no doubt encounter cops that’ll annoy you, but it’s important to remember that they’re typically the minority, and even if you disagree with why they’re pulling you over, they’re just doing their job. Imagine someone giving you grief in the workplace for doing something that you would get fired for not doing.

As petrolheads, we probably have to deal with cops more than the average person, and like most of you I’ve been pulled over numerous times. I’ve only had one bad encounter, and that was after getting pulled over outside a nightclub by an officer who was trying to breathalyse me - randomly, my driving wasn’t that bad, she assured me - while also trying to organise newbie officers rattled after breaking up a fight. She was stressed, she took it out on me, and I don’t blame all cops for that.

Just be polite, accept what they’re saying, and chances are you’ll be treated with respect in return. Go in with an aggressive attitude, and chances are they’ll give as good as they get.

Don't reach for something

6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

Depending how jumpy your country’s cops are, this may or may not apply to you - America, this probably applies to you. Simply put, it’s a really bad idea to reach for something without a police officer’s expressed permission, because they have no idea exactly what you’re reaching for.

You may know that you’d never hurt a fly, but if the officer found a weapon on their last traffic stop they might be understandably insistent that you eat dirt for diving into your glovebox.

Don't jump out of the car

6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

Again, depends how jumpy your local cops are, but this is a good rule to follow wherever you are. When you’re pulled over, don’t open the doors unless instructed to get out. People who are up to no good and have something to hide are more likely to get out the car and start running their mouth, so even if they don’t immediately throw you on the floor they’re more likely to go over your car in detail.

Don't park somewhere stupid

6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police

We’ve all seen it happen. The cops light someone up and they panic, stopping in a terrible place. Whether it’s in the way of fast moving traffic, blocking an intersection or mounting a kerb, a sure-fire way to rile the cops up is to park somewhere you shouldn’t.

If you don’t think it’s safe to stop, acknowledge the cop by waving a hand (not a middle finger) or flashing your hazards so they know you know they’re there, and wait until you think it’s safe.

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And don’t laugh if an officer says miaow. You’ll get a ticket.

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Comments

Redinvader

Germany: “Don’t park somewhere stupid” this isnt correct - Police often stop you at verry busy roads or somewhere else unecessary and they will get verry cross if you “roll” to a certain maybe “save” point

03/30/2016 - 18:44 |
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Eise Meyners

i’l always try to be respectful to the policemen who pulled me over but its kinda hard when a police men doesn’t treat me with respect… because the last time i got pulled over i gave a little to much throttle in a wet corner and my wheel slipt a bit and a policeman saw that and turned the car round and pulled me over, i rolled down the window and said hello sir (in dutch of course) and immediately he answered really angry and he was yelling at me that i was speeding and dangerous driving, i told him calm that i wasn’t speeding (and that was the truth) but he wouldn’t belief me. Then he looked round my car kicked the tyres and then he was called away and said that i was very lucky he got called a way….. Then he sped off….

03/30/2016 - 18:48 |
4 | 0

That last part sounds pretty much like the NFS Most Wanted intro lol

03/30/2016 - 20:35 |
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Anonymous

[DELETED]

03/30/2016 - 18:51 |
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Anonymous

In Belgium the police has freaking machine guns so if you try to run away maybe you get shot in the leg

03/30/2016 - 19:00 |
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CHARGED CHARGER

What the hell does miaow means in cop language?????

03/30/2016 - 19:18 |
2 | 0

possible a mistake in how they say it
e.g. “Get out of the car right miaow (sounds like now)”

03/31/2016 - 00:15 |
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Sheev Palpatine

Also don’t live in america.

03/30/2016 - 19:24 |
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boss390

Never drive your car with illegal mods to that ‘once in a year’ VW meet! Police is pulling you out. Last time I read how loads of Golf-drivers got problems because they fitted some crazy wheels or other mods that were not registered. The dumbest one had illegal and sh*tty modifications and was drunk! Be not that guy!

03/30/2016 - 19:33 |
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Anonymous

Be sure the dead body is well hided on the trunk. Making it looks like a sleepy passenger doesn’t work. Ug, I wish someone had told me that before…

03/30/2016 - 19:40 |
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boss390

Whenever you have to drive at night for some reason, try to take someone with you. Best would be a family member or a girl (or a few sober friends). Since cops are often operating as duos, they have an oponent, but you don’t. If you’re alone they’re more likely to embarass you. If a woman is with you, they are normally very calm and nice, as long as you don’t test the suspension of your car with your girlfriend, if you know what I mean.

03/30/2016 - 19:43 |
2 | 0