Immediate Steps When You See Flashing Lights
Stay Calm and Non-Confrontational
When you notice the flashing blue lights of a police car behind you, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. It’s important to remain calm and avoid any confrontational behavior. A positive attitude and respectful demeanor are crucial during this interaction. Being confrontational or argumentative will not help your situation and may lead to additional complications. Remember, you want to be cooperative and make a good impression.

Pull Over Safely and Follow Basic Procedures
Acknowledge the police car by turning on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Once stopped, turn off your engine and place your keys on the dashboard. If it’s dark, turn on your interior lights to help the officer see inside your vehicle. These actions help create a more relaxed environment for the officer and show that you are compliant.
Interacting with the Police Officer
Provide Requested Information
When the officer approaches your vehicle, provide the requested documents: your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise. If asked about the violation, answer truthfully and calmly. For instance, if you were speeding, acknowledge that you might have been exceeding the speed limit without arguing.
Ask Relevant Questions Respectfully
It’s acceptable to ask the officer questions about the citation, such as inquiring about the radar’s calibration or the officer’s observation position. However, be sure to ask these questions politely and without challenging the officer’s authority. These questions can be useful later if you decide to contest the ticket, but avoid arguing or becoming confrontational.

After the Stop: What to Say and Do
Apologize Sincerely
If you know you committed a traffic violation, a sincere apology can be beneficial. Apologizing and expressing that it won’t happen again might lead to a verbal warning instead of a ticket. However, if you receive a citation, avoid admitting guilt directly. You can phrase it as “I didn’t realize I was speeding” to keep the door open for contesting the ticket later.

Consult a Traffic Lawyer
If you receive a speeding ticket or other traffic citation, it’s important to seek professional legal advice. Matt Bunch can help you navigate the process and work towards the best possible outcome. Contact Matt Bunch for a free consultation, and email a copy of your citation to matt@bunchlaw.com. Alternatively, click here to schedule a time to discuss your case.
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