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.