What to do if you get pulled over by the police

Getting pulled over by the police can be both frustrating and overwhelming. You have certain rights in this situation, but it can be easy to forget or confuse those rights, especially with a police flashlight in your face.

We asked ACLU senior staff attorney Jason Williamson to lay out an individual's rights, and the ACLU's best advice for getting pulled over.

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[NidgeDFX]

1:20 when i was 16 with an afro (half breed and only "BLACK KID" in town). They asked to search my car. I said, "What if I say no?" The cop replied and I shit you not. "Well then we will just sick the dog on you". Of course, this was 20 years ago and things have changed, but yeah if you honestly have nothing to hide then let them search it, but then again they could plant something in your car so it's a risk! :/

[timothypineault]

1. Always pull over where you ensure your safety and the safety of the officer. If you can pull off a busy road into a low traffic parking lot, do it.

2. Roll down all your windows, all the way. It allows the officer to see you as he approaches. This is something my state trooper friend told me that cops really appreciate.

3. Turn off the car, and turn on the interior lights if it is night.

4. Before the cop asks, just give him your license. The cop will approach and say the usual, "Hey how you doing today?". Just reply with "I'm good sir, here's my information/license. If you need my registration it's in the glove box."
This gets right to the point which cops love. If you did something wrong then they wanna get over with it as soon as possible. This will make them like you more since youre both respectful, and organized. Cops hate waiting for you to get all your shit in order.

5. Be respectful. Even if you have been pulled over for complete utter bullshit, this is not the time to fight it. Court is when you can fight it. You never know what the cop will do when he goes back to the car. If you're respectful and apologetic that might keep you in the clear. Especially if it's the end of the month, the cop doesn't have to write certain tickets. If you're caught speeding and you're respectful, instead of a $200 fine and points. You might get a $100 fine and no points. 1 ticket is 1 ticket in their quota.

Basically don't be an asshole. And take a few tips from this list and you'll be fine.

[nancybreaux]

I got pulled over yesterday. Registration was expired and I thought it was up to date. I was so disappointed at myself because I always stay on top of things. I had moved and had the intention to tell the DMV that my address had changed so they could send the information that my due date was nearing I forgot to do that. I know what month I have to pay it on and thought I would be able to remind myself and forgot. I was 7 months passed due and the cop let me know he could have had my jeep impounded, but he gave me a ticket and warning instead. I came home so upset, but I thought it could have been a lot worse. I will not allow myself to be distracted again to the point to where I forget to take care of such an important responsibility. No one is perfect but I learned my lesson. You can not afford to make many mistakes in this world because they always cost you literally $$$.

[samanthamurray]

I passed a semi going uphill in a non-automatic vehicle. Cop pulls me over for speeding. Says i was doing 80 in a 55 (the truck ahead of me was doing a solid 30 for the last 20mins and i was having touble getting around as again, this was uphill). I get pulled over, he tells me this and i just give him a super confused look. Told him i didnt think i could speed uphill (because again, not an automatic car. Had the pedal to the floor but there was no way on that incline). Handed him my stuff, polite as possible. He goes to car to run the info and comes back, saying "this is your first ticket?" Told him no, i got one in college for leaving my car in a lot on campus that they closed for plowing (i was off campus. Went home with a friend in their car to save gas). So what he originally pegged me at 25mph over got reduced to a parking ticket. Think i paid $80 instead of a couple hundred.

If you do something wrong just make it easier on everyone and be nice. They arent always looking to start drama 🙄

[Jaxon]

As a law enforcement officer and administrator, I commend you on this very informative and accurate video. The only contradiction that I have to offer is to the "all bets are off" statement. Please know that even if you give consent to search, you may withdraw consent at any time during the contact.

[preetindersingh]

Don't open the window he will go away momentarily

[pissedoffmarine]

You forgot to say you need to video record the stop.

[pissedoffmarine]

You never have to follow unlawful orders. When an unlawful order is given is when you challenge it not later.

[iiis]

did yall notice the grammar mistake at 0:15?

[SuperMan-xyui]

Dash cameras are under $20 now and EVERYONE that drives should have one (if the dash cam records in only 1 direction buy 2 to be able to have front and rear view). Also, hit the 'memo record' button on a smartphone to record conversation.

[MC-mhju]

What if the Police stops you with the only purpose to run your I.D. number?

[Mizai]

reach for stuff when police pulls you over

[heatheradams]

the real problem arises not when you don't necessarily do what you're supposed to to the T but when the law enforcement does not hold the law and instead tramples all over it and you sometimes literally

[charlie-bucket]

if i j-walk....all bets off & the law can do w/evr they want

[pedrosierra]

So what if a cop says “im going to search you now”? That isnt asking... so can I say no?

[panddiie]

Can we get this trending? Or out there?

[lienbijs]

My wish is to drive on route 66 one day, but this American police makes me scared. I think I have to know all the english terms regarding communication with the american police first because I am too affraid that they will shoot me since I already have to search what " pull off" means.

[joemorgan]

Driving an automobile is a privilege not a constitutional right

[CMRinehart]

Be careful. Many cops are f-n trigger happy.

[Zackycow]

have REPECT for police.... Even if there not being fair or even Rude just say Yes sir