You and Cops
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 357
Likes: 17
From: West Chester, PA
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
You're supposed to pull over ASAP. If the cop wants you off the road and into a lot or driveway they will say so.
Getting out of your car makes them assume you want a confrontation.
Be nice. You'll get off with a warning or a non points violation more often.
Pick your spots, don't drive aggressively all the time.
Don't draw attention to yourself if you've had a few. Practice situational awareness and apply it to yourself.
Check your taillights from time to time. Don't give them a reason.
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
From: City of Baked Beans
Obviously some of you guys are not part of the "minority group", and are offering some very dangerous & possibly life threatening advice. The reality is certain groups of people are approached/treated very differently during these "routine" stops. The focal point is to remain in your car, shut-up, and be respectful. Also, get all your papers in good standing order (i.e. registration, insurance, etc). Don't ride around dirty.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,075
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by JackS' timestamp='1371791856' post='22622034
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
You're supposed to pull over ASAP. If the cop wants you off the road and into a lot or driveway they will say so.
Getting out of your car makes them assume you want a confrontation.
Be nice. You'll get off with a warning or a non points violation more often.
Pick your spots, don't drive aggressively all the time.
Don't draw attention to yourself if you've had a few. Practice situational awareness and apply it to yourself.
Check your taillights from time to time. Don't give them a reason.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,075
Likes: 3
Originally Posted by 92gli' timestamp='1371819326' post='22622449
[quote name='JackS' timestamp='1371791856' post='22622034']
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
You're supposed to pull over ASAP. If the cop wants you off the road and into a lot or driveway they will say so.
Getting out of your car makes them assume you want a confrontation.
Be nice. You'll get off with a warning or a non points violation more often.
Pick your spots, don't drive aggressively all the time.
Don't draw attention to yourself if you've had a few. Practice situational awareness and apply it to yourself.
Check your taillights from time to time. Don't give them a reason.
Dumb??? Well what can I say? The officer seemed pleased with all my actions and I did get away lightly considering. No mention by the officer that I should have stayed in my car until asked to exit. I guess you'll have to play by the rules you "think" exist when pulled over.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Leonardtown, MD
Don't know about you guys but I have gotten used to giving them the finger then peeling out. Jk lol I have been pulled over quite a few times now and if you are just chill and do what they ask they probably won't be a complete asshat. Unless you were driving like a complete asshat.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Stay in the car, don't give the cop any attitude, answer questions fairly truthfully - saying that you were doing 70 when you were doing 85 isn't cool and will piss them off - and have a valid license and proof of current insurance/registration handy to be present when you're asked for it.
Worst case scenario is you get the ticket you deserved for the original offense. Sometimes if you give them an easy time you'll get a warning rather than a ticket. My S looks like a nuclear bomb attacked the paint and I'm hardly a shining example in the looks department either but being personable can go a long way - like being stopped for 87 and only getting a warning ticket...
The last time I was in a car that got pulled over I was a passenger and my friend was a complete and utter dick to the cop. Needless to say he ended up with a ticket for speeding as well as another couple for a slightly less than legal rear tires (just below min tread depth) and one for a too loud exhaust (supertrapp with no baffles - it was damned loud, well over 100db)
Worst case scenario is you get the ticket you deserved for the original offense. Sometimes if you give them an easy time you'll get a warning rather than a ticket. My S looks like a nuclear bomb attacked the paint and I'm hardly a shining example in the looks department either but being personable can go a long way - like being stopped for 87 and only getting a warning ticket...
The last time I was in a car that got pulled over I was a passenger and my friend was a complete and utter dick to the cop. Needless to say he ended up with a ticket for speeding as well as another couple for a slightly less than legal rear tires (just below min tread depth) and one for a too loud exhaust (supertrapp with no baffles - it was damned loud, well over 100db)
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 8,655
Likes: 171
I've found being respectful goes a long way.
You can tell the type of pull over based on how the cop comes up behind you. In WA pouring rain an officer entered the freeway calm and collected, moved behind me and lit me up. I pulled over promptly, rolled down my passenger side window and in the pouring rain he informed me a light was out. I didn't know, thanked him and he asked me when I'd get it fixed (we were out of state plates) to which I informed him as soon as we're home. He could tell I was concerned, I thanked him and we went on our way. When we pulled over for breakfast (5AM) no light was out.
Recently, I had a cop in NV pull me over going 68 in a 65. He was cruising in the passing lane doing what I thought was 62 running the plates of some SUV. After I slowly passed him, he got darty, pulled 3 illegal moves on the road and got behind me. So close I thought he was going to rear end me. Lit me up and we pulled over within 500-600 feet under a light. I rolled my passenger window down, put 4 ways on and put the keys on the dash and hands on the wheel. I knew this wasn't going to be text book and wanted no room to have a problem. He approached driver side, so I quickly fixed the situation, rolling up the other window. I have my lady and our kid in the back seat after a dinner out. He asks for my docs, to which I inform him I need to enter the glove box, but there is no gun in the vehicle. While he badgers me about my driving, my speed (3mph over) and attempts to get me to give him something to write me up on. I keep my cool. Inform him we were on our way home from dinner and I was just cruising and chatting after a pleasant time out as a family. He threatens to write me up for 3 over to which I calmly said I would prefer he did not. He leaves in a huff.
I think these are two great examples of how quickly to size up a situation and respond differently as needed.
When dealing with an officer, your sole goal should be to leave the scene in your car without a ticket. Running your mouth, giving attitude or telling them anything beyond the basics reduces the chances of this.
Are there cops out on a power trip? Sure. Should I have informed the NV officer that if we went to court he would be found to be in violation of 3 traffic laws? No. That's not a battle worth fighting. My goal in that interaction was to keep it short, leave without a ticket and get home promptly. Did I feel like I wanted to lash out at him? You bet. I'm one of the most aggressive and out spoke people you'll ever meet. If you're like me and haven't learned to modulate your capacity, learn promptly. It's always better to walk softly and carry a big stick. Fighting with an officer verbally is a lose-lose. While you might be in the 'right' you'll always be wrong.
I've never in my life had any real problems with police. I drive by the book, make good choices on the road and haven't had an accident since I was a teen. That doesn't mean I always drive the speed limit....
You can tell the type of pull over based on how the cop comes up behind you. In WA pouring rain an officer entered the freeway calm and collected, moved behind me and lit me up. I pulled over promptly, rolled down my passenger side window and in the pouring rain he informed me a light was out. I didn't know, thanked him and he asked me when I'd get it fixed (we were out of state plates) to which I informed him as soon as we're home. He could tell I was concerned, I thanked him and we went on our way. When we pulled over for breakfast (5AM) no light was out.
Recently, I had a cop in NV pull me over going 68 in a 65. He was cruising in the passing lane doing what I thought was 62 running the plates of some SUV. After I slowly passed him, he got darty, pulled 3 illegal moves on the road and got behind me. So close I thought he was going to rear end me. Lit me up and we pulled over within 500-600 feet under a light. I rolled my passenger window down, put 4 ways on and put the keys on the dash and hands on the wheel. I knew this wasn't going to be text book and wanted no room to have a problem. He approached driver side, so I quickly fixed the situation, rolling up the other window. I have my lady and our kid in the back seat after a dinner out. He asks for my docs, to which I inform him I need to enter the glove box, but there is no gun in the vehicle. While he badgers me about my driving, my speed (3mph over) and attempts to get me to give him something to write me up on. I keep my cool. Inform him we were on our way home from dinner and I was just cruising and chatting after a pleasant time out as a family. He threatens to write me up for 3 over to which I calmly said I would prefer he did not. He leaves in a huff.
I think these are two great examples of how quickly to size up a situation and respond differently as needed.
When dealing with an officer, your sole goal should be to leave the scene in your car without a ticket. Running your mouth, giving attitude or telling them anything beyond the basics reduces the chances of this.
Are there cops out on a power trip? Sure. Should I have informed the NV officer that if we went to court he would be found to be in violation of 3 traffic laws? No. That's not a battle worth fighting. My goal in that interaction was to keep it short, leave without a ticket and get home promptly. Did I feel like I wanted to lash out at him? You bet. I'm one of the most aggressive and out spoke people you'll ever meet. If you're like me and haven't learned to modulate your capacity, learn promptly. It's always better to walk softly and carry a big stick. Fighting with an officer verbally is a lose-lose. While you might be in the 'right' you'll always be wrong.
I've never in my life had any real problems with police. I drive by the book, make good choices on the road and haven't had an accident since I was a teen. That doesn't mean I always drive the speed limit....
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JackS' timestamp='1371821852' post='22622544
[quote name='92gli' timestamp='1371819326' post='22622449']
[quote name='JackS' timestamp='1371791856' post='22622034']
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
[quote name='JackS' timestamp='1371791856' post='22622034']
My last speeding ticket- I think this is the way it should be done.
If possible, pull into a parking lot rather than stop on the street. Get out of your car. This shows the officer that you are not intoxicated. It also shows you have nothing in your hands. Had you stayed in your car, the officer would have probably asked you to step out anyway. Wait until the officer asks for licence and papers before reaching in your pocket. These few seconds after the stop allows the officer to form some hopfully positive opinions of you. The best outcome of these positive opinions could be a warning or in my case a ticket written for much less than you trully deserved.
You're supposed to pull over ASAP. If the cop wants you off the road and into a lot or driveway they will say so.
Getting out of your car makes them assume you want a confrontation.
Be nice. You'll get off with a warning or a non points violation more often.
Pick your spots, don't drive aggressively all the time.
Don't draw attention to yourself if you've had a few. Practice situational awareness and apply it to yourself.
Check your taillights from time to time. Don't give them a reason.
Dumb??? Well what can I say? The officer seemed pleased with all my actions and I did get away lightly considering. No mention by the officer that I should have stayed in my car until asked to exit. I guess you'll have to play by the rules you "think" exist when pulled over.
[/quote]
Maybe you live in Pleasantville or got lucky with a dumb cop, but ANY other cop will think getting out of the car is a threat.
Even in a non-cop situation, how would you feel if you honked at someone and they just started getting out of their car in front of you? Wouldn't you think "WTF is this guy doing?"
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 616
Likes: 3
From: Hillsboro
Nahhh don't get any papers or anything ready for the officer. If he wants them then he will ask. I have been pulled over 7 times and 3 of them I didn't get asked for anything, he just tested my tint and told me to change it to legal tint. Also, to the OP; there are some of us that carry concealed legally and when an officer asks for license I always give him my permit as well. Sometimes they don't say anything about it and sometimes they ask if I have a weapon on me.