Things Every Driver Should Know and Do to Survive Traffic Stops

Omar Bernabe • January 30, 2023
Did you know that the single most common reason people come in contact with the police is routine traffic stops? Even an innocent driver without a blemish on their record can end up having to explain themselves to law enforcement because of an unexpected traffic incident. Understanding how to react or behave during traffic stops can prevent a simple procedure from escalating into an aggravating protracted court case. Here are six basic tips on how to make it through traffic stops:

Know your rights:

1. Traffic stops can end up taking time depending on the circumstances. Simple stops hardly last longer than a few minutes, whereas complicated stops can last for hours. Never depart from a traffic stop unless law enforcement has made it clear that you are free to go. If time has gone by and you’re unsure about whether to leave, ask the basic question “Officer, are you detaining me, or am I free to go?” No matter what, remember to stay calm, and stay put at the traffic stop until an officer clarifies that you are free to go. Leaving prematurely could trigger criminal charges such as resisting arr! est.


2. Unless you or anyone in your vehicle is being put under arrest, a law enforcement officer cannot search your vehicle without a Search Warrant or Probable Cause. This means you have the right not to consent to a search. Even if your refusal doesn’t prevent law enforcement from ultimately conducting a search, it can help create a defense in your favor during future litigation assuming an illegal search and seizure was conducted.


  • A Search Warrant is a legal document authorizing law enforcement to enter and search a civilian’s premises for evidence of illegal activity. Search Warrants must identify the area being searched, and what specific items are to be seized.
  • Probable Cause refers to specific facts or conditions which make it reasonable to assume that a crime has been committed in an area being searched. For example if law enforcement can smell alcohol wafting from your vehicle during a traffic stop, they have probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence and therefore search your vehicle for open containers of alcohol.
  • Aside from verbal confirmation, handing over your keys to an officer also qualifies as consenting to a search.

3. Don’t be afraid to sign a traffic ticket issued during a stop. This is because signing a ticket during a traffic stop is not an admission of guilt. The ticket issued to a driver during a traffic stop acknowledges the fact that it was issued, and nothing more. Tickets are always accompanied by a future court summons which is the appropriate time either to challenge a ticket or admit guilt.


Do what’s Right:

Emotions can run high during a traffic stop. On one hand, drivers tend to feel stunned, anxious or frustrated at having to suddenly pull over and deal with a sensitive situation. On the other hand, law enforcement officers tend to be on high alert because of how unpredictable traffic stops are. All of this built up tension means that the best approach to take with your interaction is calmness. The more you put everyone involved at ease, the faster a traffic stop gets resolved peacefully.


1. Follow instructions. One of the easiest ways to gain the trust of a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop is compliance with their instructions. This doesn’t just start when you’re face-to-face with the police however. It starts the moment sirens signal you to pull over:


  • Pull over promptly, and safely, in order to indicate your willingness to comply with officers’ instructions.
  • Do not unbuckle your seatbelt until instructed to.
  • Do not exit your vehicle unless instructed to.
  • Do not interrupt when being spoken to.
  • Do not be confrontational.
  • Do not use your cell phone, and silence your stereo before conversing with an officer.


2. Keep cool. No matter how much your instincts compel you to panic, don’t get carried away with fear, anger or aggression. For example:

  • Use a composed tone of voice when talking and be respectful.
  • Use polite language and don’t utter profanities.
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • Pay attention and listen to what the officers actually say.


3. Don’t make sudden movements. Unexpected movements on a driver’s part can be misinterpreted as an attack. Remember, the calmer you appear to an approaching officer, the less reason they have to feel defensive and subdue you.

  • Roll the window down and place your hands visibly on the steering wheel.
  • Keep your hands in sight at all times.
  • Wait for an officer to request for documentation before reaching for it in any way.
  • If at all you have to reach for something, let the officer know where it is you intend to reach for, and confirm if they are comfortable with your intended movements.


If you do receive a ticket at the end of a traffic stop, don’t argue. Simply sign your citation and receive it agreeably. Any argument you may wish to have can be done more effectively by an attorney in a court of law. For more information, give us a call at 1-888-309-4545 to find out how Adriana’s Traffic School can help you stay safe on the road.



By Omar Bernabe January 31, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 31, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 31, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 31, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 30, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 30, 2023
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By Omar Bernabe January 30, 2023
Think about the last time you planned a journey that involved driving. You probably prepared by answering the most obvious questions. What address is my destination? How long will the drive be? Should I expect any traffic? Should I grab some food along the way? We’re always careful to make sure that taking to the road is as quick and comfortable an experience as possible. But, there’s one important driving ritual we easily ignore even though we shouldn’t – parking. Parking is a process to consider seriously because it’s indispensable to any journey. It doesn’t matter where you’re going, or for how long, if you’re going to use a car you’ll need to park it somewhere in order to travel on foot. Not only can parking the wrong way eat into your time, it can also make you vulnerable to victimization if you aren’t careful to protect yourself or secure your vehicle. Here are twenty parking tips to consider the next time you plan to drive: While Approaching a Parking Area: Concentrate. Just because you’ve slowed down doesn’t mean you can ignore proper safety precautions. Be observant for speed bumps, traffic signs and pedestrians. Always adhere to posted speed limits. Choose a strategic parking spot. If you have a choice, park as close to your venue as possible in order to reduce how much time is spent leaving or approaching your vehicle. Long walking distances give potential attackers more time to stalk you. While Exiting Your Vehicle on Foot: Scan the area for threats or dangerous circumstances. If you notice anything that makes you feel unsafe, find somewhere better to park. Make a note of the surrounding parking regulations and general signage. They could contain critical information. Before exiting your vehicle, conceal any valuables or loose materials from view. Note that this doesn’t just apply to expensive possessions alone. Anything is worth breaking into your car for as long as a thief needs it. For example, a starving drifter wouldn’t hesitate to break into your vehicle if the backseat had bags of food in sight. Before exiting your vehicle, conceal any paperwork that may be on display. For example, identity thieves wouldn’t even need to break into your vehicle in order to take advantage of mail scattered on your seat. Lock your doors and roll up your windows. If you need help remembering exactly where you parked in a large lot of vehicles, use the camera on your mobile device to take a photo of the specific row or level you parked on before walking away from your vehicle. If you have a choice, wear comfortable walking shoes rather than heels. It may become necessary to hurry while on foot. While on foot, do not wear or use technology that impedes your senses. Avoid wearing headphones or looking at screens. Walk confidently and quickly. The less time spent on foot between your vehicle and your destination, the less vulnerable you are to assault. If you are travelling with others, walk in groups for greater visibility and safety. Give way to moving cars. Don’t just assume that drivers can see you even if you have the right of way. Always make sure that the coast is clear before crossing a vehicle’s path. While Returning to Your Vehicle on Foot: Scan the area for threats or dangerous circumstances. If you notice anything in the proximity of your vehicle that makes you feel unsafe, walk to the nearest security agent, or a more public area where you can ask for help. Do not wear or use technology that impedes your senses. Avoid wearing headphones or looking at screens. Walk confidently and quickly. The less time spent on foot between your vehicle and your destination, the less vulnerable you are to assault. Before re-entering your car, scan underneath the vehicle and the backseat as well to ensure nothing unusual is happening around your car. Make sure your keys are within reach so as not to waste time rummaging by your car. While Departing a Parking Area: If you were issued a returnable receipt in order to purchase parking, make sure you have it within reach before driving off to the exit. Waiting until the exact moment your receipt has to be submitted causes unnecessary traffic. Reverse with extreme caution. Take extreme care not to collide with pedestrians or other vehicles especially when leaving crowded venues. Be patient even though you might be in a hurry to leave. Parking isn’t rocket science. But that’s exactly why it shouldn’t be taken for granted because the easiest time to make a mistake in life is when you become complacent. For more information, visit any of our offices or give us a call at 1-888-309-4545 to find out how Adriana’s Traffic School can help you drive safely.
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