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Courtesy of the Plano, Texas Police
Department
WHY DO POLICE STOP PEOPLE?
Reasons why you might be stopped by the
police:
You may have committed a traffic
violation.
Your vehicle may have equipment or
registration violations.
Your vehicle may fit the description of a
wanted vehicle.
You may appear to be in trouble or in need
of help.
If you are stopped by the police while driving
you may feel confused, anxious or angry. It
might help you to remember that traffic stops
can be equally stressful for a police officer.
Every year a significant number of law
enforcement officers are killed or injured
while making seemingly routine traffic
stops. Your cooperation and compliance with
the police officer's directions can make the
traffic stop sale and uneventful for all
involved.
THINGS TO REMEMBER IF STOPPED BY THE POLICE
A police officer may stop you for a
traffic offense or police investigation.
When you see the activated police lights
and/or hear the police siren, remain calm and
safely move your vehicle as far to the right
as the roadway allows. Leave enough space for
the officer to safely approach you.
Remain in your vehicle unless otherwise
directed by the officer.
If the stop occurs after dark, turn on
your dome or interior light so the officer can
easily see you. If the officer uses a bright
spot light, it is not to intimidate or
emMakiass you, but for the safety of all
persons involved.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel so
the officer can see them.
Do not immediately reach for your license
or other documents. Wait for the officer to
request them. If your documents are out of
reach, tell the officer where they are before
you reach for them.
Avoid any sudden movements, especially
toward the floor or seats. If you have
passengers, encourage them to do the same.
You, as the operator, are responsible for your
vehicle and its occupants.
THE OFFICER MAY ISSUE YOU A TICKET
After determining that you violated a law, the
police officer has the option of arresting you
(taking you to jail) or issuing you a
citation. If you are issued a citation you
will be asked to sign it. Your signature is
not an admission of guilt, but an agreement
that in lieu of going to jail, you will
contact the court and make arrangements to
dispose of the charge(s).
If you do not agree with the citation, do
not argue at the scene or refuse to sign the
ticket. You should contact the court and
contest the citation before a judge.
If you do not agree with the officer's
demeanor, do not argue at the scene. Contact
the police dispatch and ask to speak to the
supervisor for the officer. You may also file
an official complaint by contacting the
Professional Standards Unit.
If you want to commend an officer, you can
send a complimentary letter to the Chief of
Police at the Police Headquarters.
HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS
Compliance with the following items will
help reduce any problems you may experience
during a traffic stop:
Carry Proper Identification. In order for
you to lawfully operate a motor vehicle, you
need a valid state driver's license (or
permit) and must be able to exhibit it upon
request.
Carry Proof of Insurance. You are required
to show valid proof of insurance upon request.
Know Your Responsibilities. When you
operate a motor vehicle, even if you do not
own it, you are responsible for the
registration, inspection, and license plates.
As the driver, you are also responsible for
the vehicle condition, contents and occupants.
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