The Blue Light Special

Part 1 - What To Do During A Traffic Stop

You see those flashing blue lights in your rear view and the sweat starts to popping. Your actions in the next few minutes will determine the outcome of this traffic stop. I am a former police officer, not a lawyer and this is not legal advice, just some information that may be of assistance. As they say, "proceed at your own risk and we assume no liability".

If you have a radar detector now is the time to get it out of sight. You do not want to receive written confirmation that you have just lost the speeding ticket game. I keep a file box on my seat within easy reach. Now determine that you are definitely the target. Maintain the speed limit and if he pulls along side do not make eye contact. I have had them speed up and select the next vehicle in line. Do not make it easy for him to pick you out of the pack by just pulling over.

Yes, it is you! Acknowledge the stop by turning on your flashers and slowing down. Select a safe place to pull off the highway. I have actually had cars stop in the median. Your safety and the officer's safety is of paramount concern. In addition, you will not help his temperament if he has to dodge other cars to approach your vehicle. If the police car is unmarked or it is at night you are within your rights to proceed to a service station or other safe area. I still see cases of impersonating an officer and truck drivers also need to be alert to the possibility of a hijacking.

Once you are safely stopped turn your wheels slightly to the right, roll down your window and turn off your engine. Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled and your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2. If it is at night turn on your interior lights. The officer is a professional and will recognize these actions as those of a careful driver. First impression counts and you have made a good start.

ATTITUDE,ATTITUDE,ATTITUDE! There were very few speeding stops that I made where it was a foregone conclusion that the driver was to receive a traffic ticket. In most cases the driver's attitude was the determining factor between a warning and a speeding ticket. Be polite and courteous. Answer all of the officer's questions and don't use any excuses-they have heard them all. However, do not admit to anything since what you say can be used in court. Don't lie but, "I'm not really sure, officer," is OK. Save the flippant remarks for afterwards at the coffee shop or beauty parlor. ASK for just a warning. A PLEASE will usually result in at least a reduced fine that can be contested later.

Remember that this is not the time and place to argue. See the first letter from a truck driver in our CASE STUDY section. The last thing you want is for the officer to have a reason to remember you or to write something to the judge on the back of the traffic ticket. When you contest the citation, which I will cover in part 2 of this series, the judge will check and "aggressive" on the ticket will not help your case.

In conclusion remember that the officer is just doing his job. He is evaluated on the number of speeding tickets he issues, not necessarily on their later disposition. Don't make it into something personal that will only escalate the situation and make it difficult to get the ticket reduced or dismissed when you go to court. Of course you can follow the best advice and avoid all of this by just driving the speed limit.

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