6 Things You Should Never Do When Pulled Over By The Police
Don't run
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
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
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
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
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.
And don’t laugh if an officer says miaow. You’ll get a ticket.
Comments
Don’t listen to straight out of Compton
Here in Pakistan if you have an expensive car they won’t stop you even if you try to run them over or do a burnout
When they pull u over in Pakistan, u just pull out a few rupees and try to bribe the officer lol
Don’t be black in the US.
I like the part where he said miaow
when i have a xcara chasin me i run every time #greekhomies
Man I hate to be that guy but cop’s in my area just racially profile and treat people differently based on race. For me, a predominantly bigger dark skinned fellow, the minute a cop sees me I’m pretty much treated like a criminal no matter how much I try to be a ideal citizen. Sometimes, not always, but most of the time cops just straight up treat me like crap. I honestly believe it’s the area I live in and because of that I can honestly say I fear the police. It sucks but thats just the way it is. I believe the best course of action when dealing with police and law enforcement is to be co-operative to a point as well as patient and kind without being a pushover. Also F!!! you Officer Simon…
“ Don´t Run “ with a Lotus Carlton Omega though https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yptiCYBSZo
I can’t agree more. I lost my licence last week for speeding and I started speeding up going by the cop (the cop car was on the shoulder facing me and we don’t have plates on the front so when I passed by I was doing 135 kp/h while the cop car was stopped and it had to do a u turn and catch me but I came to my senses and stopped. sure it’s a pain in the ass but at least I will get my licence back soon enough and I didnt have my car towed or a 2000$ fine and criminal accusations for dangerous driving. Instead I have a 866$ fine and its a speeding fine, not dangerous driving. be careful when you hoon and try not to get caught.
Depending on where you live, the first one may, or may not apply to you if you’re able to get away. There are places that if the cop can’t identify the driver, they won’t pursue any criminal charges. I know there are at least a few states in the US that have that rule, where cops can’t arrest you after getting away from them if they weren’t able to identify you as the driver.
Innocent until proven guilty, and just having a license plate number isn’t proof that the owner of the vehicle was actually the person driving it.
Here in the netherlands, you wil get a ticket if they see your plate but they can not mess with your license unless you say that you were indeed the driver (you probarly wil get a discount) since you are responsible fot your vechile.