What NOT to Do When Being Pulled Over

Beyond this Breidenich said, “Don’t be reaching for a bunch of stuff when the officer is walking up.” Understandably this can be perceived as a threat. They don’t know if you’re merely getting your license and registration out or if you’re un-holstering a Glock. As I wrote before, it’s best to keep your hands on the steering wheel so they’re clearly visible as they walk up.

Another helpful suggestion Breidenich made is not to lie. “One thing cops are really good at is a BS meter,” he said. They deal with strangers on a daily basis and often some pretty unsavory characters at that. After doing police work for a while, they really learn how to read people so make sure not to tell tall tales during traffic stops, plus lying is just plain mean and it’s not “respectful of the law.”

Another policing pet peeve Breidenich mentioned is quarrelsome drivers. “Don’t argue with the officer even if you think you’re right,” he said. There’s a time and a place to share your side of the story; it’s called court, not the shoulder of the highway at 2:00 in the morning. If you’ve been issued a citation accept it and deal with the ticket at a later date.

SEE ALSO: Cops Love Ford’s Police Interceptor SUV

Breidenich also said there should be “only one voice in the car,” so make sure your passengers keep quiet while you’re talking to the officer. Several people yammering over each other at the same time is irritating and makes the officer’s job more difficult, something that will only make them less likely to cut you slack.

Naturally a little common sense goes a long way in these situations. Don’t have loud music blaring even if your ride has a kick-ass sound system, don’t keep talking on your cell phone during the stop and please don’t have illegal substances in your car or on your person. None of these things will do you any favors.

SEE ALSO: What TO DO When Being Pulled Over

As always remember the golden rule; treat others the way you’d like to be treated. It works well during traffic stops and life in general. If you cooperate with the police and are not rude, disrespectful or otherwise irritating the officer handling the situation may be willing to let you go with a reduced citation or perhaps just a warning.