I've been driving for two years now, but I seem to have a problem keeping up with what to do. When I was taught, I was told to stay in the car when pulled over. Now I see a lot of people out of the car talking with the cop. Which is right?

Also, what are some othe rmisconseptions in regard to how to handle legal situations in Texas?


Oh, did you know that the new law states that you must slow down 20 mph under the marked speed limit if there is a vehicle with caution lights on? I.e. cop, stranded motorist, construction, ect. Either you slow down or move to the opposite the vehicle. I.e. Move into the left lane as you approach a stranded driver on the right shoulder or vice versa.

 

Yes, I've heard of cops doing something similar to hunting parties on that new 20 mph law... basically getting on the side of the road and throwing on their cautions and then bolting out and grabbing anyone going over 40 on the highway in a lane next to them.

As for what you should do... it usually depends on the cop. But, I would say that you're more likely to **** off a cop by getting out of your car and approaching him than staying in yours and having to walk up to you. I stick with my strategy: Keep both hands planted on the steering wheel in plain sight and wait for him to walk up. Especially at night.

 

definitely. DO NOT get out. the people you see outside the car are the ones the officers have ASKED to get out. the ones you see in cuffs in the back seat are the ones that got out BEFORE the cop said to do so.

 

Traffic Stop Safety Tips:

1. When you see flashing lights behind you, put your right turn signal on and start pulling over to the right. Areas to pull over varies. I prefer doing traffic stops in business parking lots so that I don't have to look out for dear life every other second but if there's none, a shoulder will do.

2. Once pulled over, turn your car off and turn on the dome light. NEVER EVER get out of your car. Place both hands on the steering wheel and STAY STILL. At this point, you do not want to reach around for anything. Wait until the officer gets out of his/her vehicle and approaches you.

3. When the officer ask you for your Driver's License and Insurance, slowly reach for those items specially when going for the glove compartment.

4. Once the officer receives the necessary paper work, repeat step #2 until he/she returns.

5. Once the officer returns, wait for his/her explanation of the ticket(if you are being cited only of course). DO NOT argue. That's why we have a court system. Arguing with a cop on a traffic stop leads to nowhere.

6. Once you've signed the ticket, unless directed by the officer, wait for the officer to go back in his patrol car. Put your left turn signal on and proceed when traffic is clear.

*Always be on your best behavior regardless of the officers attitude. It helps a lot.

Hope this helps...

 

exactly. i got pulled over one time on I20 out by Lubbock and the highway patrolman asked for me to get out of my car before even approaching my car. he got out of his and yelled for me to step out.

If you step out before they ask you, they feel threatened because you could easily whip out a gun and try to shoot them. (picture yourself in their shoes. guy getting out of a car after getting pulled over before the cop can get up to the car). The best bet is to always make the cop feel at ease. If you have to go in your glove compt. leave it open (you have to put the thing back in there anyway, right?) If going for your wallet tell him and do it fairly slow. don't go too slow though.