Know Your Laws: Rights and Requirements while being Pulled Over

If you are being pulled over by a law enforcement officer, you have some rights and also some responsibilities that you should know about. Those flashing lights can get your heart pumping, but here's what you are required to do:

• You need to pull over safely to the right side of the road. Never pull over to the left or stop in an unsafe place. If you are worried for your safety, you can call a dispatcher before pulling over and make sure that the person pulling you over actually is an officer. You also have the right to wait until you are in a well-lit area for your own safety before pulling over.
• Place the car in park and take your foot off the brake. Turn off your music and roll down your window. Place your hands in a conspicuous place - this is a dangerous time for the officer and this is to make sure that you do no look threatening. Do not act aggressively towards the officer.
• Be polite to the law enforcement officer. If you are asked questions, respond to him or her with respect. He or she will ask you to see your license and registration. Some other questions may ask include: Do you know why I pulled you over? Do you know what the speed limit is in this area? Is this your car? If not, whose is it? Does the owner of the car know that you are driving it?

Who knows, maybe it will be your lucky day and you will get off without a ticket!

If you feel that you have been mistreated, then take down the officer's name and/or full badge number. You should then call the agency that the officer works for and make a report of the incident. If you have been mistreated, you are probably not the first one.

Nobody likes to be pulled over, but if it happens to you, make sure to obey the laws and pull over immediately.