What to Do During a Traffic Stop

When you see the sirens notifying you to pull over, first and foremost—stay calm and pull your car over as soon as practicable, in a safe area. Do not prolong the distance when the law enforcement official turns on his overhead lights. This may cause the officer to think you are attempting to evade him or hide weapons or narcotics.

When stopped, lower your driver-side window and stay put while the police officer approaches you. Do not be surprised if the officer approaches on the passenger side of the vehicle. Officers often do this to avoid being hit by passing traffic. Keep your hands on the steering wheel in plain view.

If it's dark outside, turn on your inside light so the officer will be able to see inside your vehicle (doing this allows the officer to be assured that there is no danger to him or her.) In the minds of most officers, any traffic stop carries the potential for a life-threatening attack, and it is important for the driver to help avoid misunderstandings.

Do not get out of your car unless the officer asks you to do so. Exiting your vehicle without being asked will be taken as a threat. Do not root around in your vehicle for anything, as this is cause for suspicion and will place undue stress on the officer. Never reach under your seat for anything. The officer may think you are reaching for a weapon and take offensive measures.

There is a correct way to pull over during a traffic stop. Don’t slam on your brakes when you see the flashing lights. You should immediately slow your vehicle down, and turn on your turn signal.

Turn off the radio. This will allow you to hear any directives the officer may give you.

Pull off the road completely to a shoulder as quickly as possible. The goal is to park your car so it is out of the way of traffic. Stay in your car with your seatbelt fastened. If you have any passengers in your vehicle, request that they remain silent at all times with their hands in plain sight.

The first rule is to remain calm and be polite to the officer. This will lower the officer’s apprehension. If you are rude, angry, annoyed, etc., the officer may think you are trying to divert his or her attention from criminal other activity.

If the officer issues you a ticket, take the ticket, even if you believe you did nothing wrong. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt, and is only proof that you received a copy of the ticket and that you will appear in court. Not signing a ticket is grounds for immediate arrest.

As with everything we do, Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station attempts to work in concert with our Core Values and Mission Statements. Our goals are to keep our streets safe and partner with the residents and businesses we serve.

If you have any information about criminal activity in your area, contact Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriffs station at 310-456-6652 or 818-878-1808.

Or if you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Capt. Joseph H. Stephen is the station commander at Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in 1984.