What should I do if I'm pulled over by the police?

For many people, being pulled over by a Police can be an extremely stressful event.

If a Police car pulls in behind you while driving and activates its emergency lights and/or siren, you should pull over to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Once you have pulled over, you should put the car in park and turn on the interior light. This is for your safety as well as the safety of the Officer.

You have to remember that although you know you are a decent, law abiding citizen, the Police Officer behind you has no idea who you are and will be naturally cautious as numerous Officers are hurt and even killed each year during "routine" traffic stops. When approached by the Officer, you will be asked for your driver's license, vehicle registration card and proof of insurance for the car.

If you need to enter the glove compartment to retrieve the documents, just tell the Officer what you are doing and proceed to get your documents when instructed.

In order to make the traffic stop as safe and pleasant as possible for all involved, here are a few tips:

• Do not make any sudden or violent movements.

• Do not suddenly conceal or hide your hands.

• Remain in the vehicle unless instructed to exit by the Officer.

As soon as the Officer has your documents, he/she will explain the reason for the traffic stop. The officer may give a verbal warning, a written warning or issue a traffic summons. If you have any questions, the Officer will attempt to answer them at the scene and will also provide you with the number for the Municipal Court which is located on the summons.

Show All Answers

1. Where is the Englewood Police Department located?
2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
3. Do I have to come to the police station to make a report?
4. Can I make a police report over the telephone?
5. Can the police help me with a dispute with my landlord?
6. What should I do if I'm pulled over by the police?
7. If I want to report something that is not an emergency, do I call 911 or another number?
8. Why does it take officers longer to respond to some calls than others?
9. Why don't I see more officers patrolling my neighborhood?
10. Why do the 911 operators ask so many questions when I call?
11. Can I call the police department to report a problem and still remain anonymous?
12. Is there a waiting period before I can report somebody as missing?
13. Can I use 911 on my cellphone to report an emergency or an intoxicated driver on the road?
14. Can the Englewood Police Department help me if I lock my keys in my car?
15. Does the police department ever contact citizens asking for donations over the phone?
16. How do I Pay a Traffic Ticket?
17. How do I contest a Traffic Ticket or Criminal Complaint?
18. I just picked up a copy of my accident report. What do all those code numbers mean around the outside of the report?
19. My car was towed. Now what do I do?
20. How do I submit an Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request?
21. How do I apply for a gun permit or firearms ID card?
22. How do I apply for a Temporary Accessible Parking Placard?
23. How can I commend the actions of an Englewood Police Officer?
24. How do I file a complaint against an Englewood Police Officer?
25. How do I file an accident report if we didn’t call the police at the time of the accident?