Kendall County Sheriff: Here's What to Do if You're Pulled Over

Getting pulled over by a deputy can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience especially if you have never been pulled over before. What you do during the traffic stop can help make the stop safe for you and the deputy. Here is what to do when being stopped:

• Use your turn signal and pull your vehicle over to the road side or to a safe location. In Illinois, you have the right to proceed to a public place that is well lit before pulling over.

• Remain in your vehicle, unless the deputy directs you to get out and simply comply, it is the law.

• Turn the interior light on if it’s dark outside and roll down your window all the way.

• If you have a special communication needs and have a visor alert card in the vehicle point to your ear and the visor alert card, so the deputy knows the best way to communicate with you.

• Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel until instructed otherwise.

• Provide your license, registration, and insurance card, but do not retrieve or reach for these documents until instructed, so the deputy can safely witness your movements.

• Remain civil and answer any questions honestly. Ask any questions you may have based on what the deputy tells you. Obey legal commands from the deputy.

• If you are issued a citation and have questions regarding the citation, ask the deputy. Do not argue with the deputy and do not attempt to have the ticket resolved during the traffic stop. You will have your opportunity to plead your case if you decide to go to court.

“One of the jobs of a deputy is to detect traffic violations and conduct traffic stops," Sheriff Dwight Baird said in a news release. "Deputies are trained to take safety precautions for everyone involved during a traffic stop. The goal of a traffic stop is to make the roadways safer for travel.”

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