NCJ Number
195272
Date Published
August 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This brochure, which is presented in both English and Spanish, explains what the driver of a vehicle should do if signaled by a law enforcement officer to pull over and stop the vehicle.
Abstract
The brochure instructs the driver to move to the right side of the roadway and come to a stop as far out of the right lane of traffic as possible; turn off the engine and any device in the vehicle that might hinder communication with the officer. Flashers should be turned on; and should the stop be made at night, the vehicle's interior light should be turned on. Keep seat belts for all occupants fastened until the officer can observe their use. The driver should keep his/her hands in plain view and instruct passengers to do the same. Do not make any movement that might be interpreted by the officer as hiding or searching for something. Wait for officer instructions before making any movements. If the charge or citation is not clear, ask the officer for an explanation in a respectful manner. Also, ask the officer for identification if he/she is not in uniform or if his/her patrol vehicle does not have official law enforcement markings. Any disagreement with the citation should not be discussed with the officer, but rather before a judge in court. Inform the officer if a weapon is carried in the vehicle and whether or not a legal permit has been issued; do not resist a pat down. Generally, the driver's signature is required on a citation, but this is not an admission of guilt. Any refusal to sign the citation can result in an arrest or being taken to the station to post collateral and pay for the offense.