Legislative crap changes like the wind. A few years back, everyone was all about handlebar height repeals. Before that, it was the R-O-W laws laying down the law for Right-of-Way screw- ups causing injury or death. Recently, the ‘Dead Red’ laws let you blow through busted red lights. Now, the latest buzz in the NCOM News is that some states are now considering bills that require teaching students “What To Do During a Traffic Stop.” Illinois, Louisiana, and North Carolina have already jumped on this bill, taking it seriously enough to pass the damn thing. So, here’s your crash course on handling a traffic stop like a pro – no legal mumbo jumbo, just straight talk for RidingOn readers.
Gettin’ Pulled Over: Own It
Nobody digs the red and blue lights in their mirror, but keeping your cool is everything. What you do next can mean the difference between a Warning, a Citation, or even an Arrest.
1. Be Cool & Chill
- Stay in your ride, kill the engine, and keep those hands visible on the wheel.
- Don’t reach for your papers until the cop asks. When you do, tell ‘em where you’re reaching.
- Show respect. Use “Sir,” “Ma’am,” or “Officer.”
- RIDINGON – TRAFFIC STOP
- Start with, “Hello officer. Can you tell me why I am being pulled over?” If they flip it on you with, “Why do you think I pulled you over?” play it cool and say you don’t know. No confessions here – keep it tight.
What the Cops Can Do
When they’ve got you pulled over, the law lets them:
- Order you and your crew out of the car.
- Demand your license, registration, and other papers.
- Do a quick search for the VIN.
- Use a K-9, as long as it doesn’t drag things out.
To go further, they need more than just the stop’s original reason.
Stay Patient, Stay Sharp
Once the cop’s got your info, you might have to wait. They’re running checks – warrants, ID, the whole nine yards. When they come back, listen up. If it’s just a warning, thank your stars and promise to be more careful. If it’s a ticket, take it without a fuss and save your fight for court. Keep your cool – they can still stack on charges if you get mouthy.
Hold the Line on Searches
Most searches happen because people don’t stand their ground. If a cop asks to search your ride, you don’t have to say yes. They’re asking because they don’t have enough to search without your okay. Say something like, “Officer, I know you’re doing your job, but I do not consent to any searches of my private property.” If they search anyway and find something, your lawyer can argue it was an illegal search.
Know When to Roll
You’ve got the right to leave unless you’re being detained or arrested. Ask, “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, thank them and hit the road. If it’s unclear, keep asking, “Am I being detained, or can I go now?” If it’s no, you’re stuck, possibly facing arrest.
Keep Quiet Without a Lawyer
The Fifth Amendment’s got your back – you don’t have to answer questions. Anything you say can be used against you. The cops are fishing for guilt, and most people hand them the evidence. Assert your rights by saying, “Officer, I have nothing to say until I speak with a lawyer.” If they push on, don’t resist – just keep quiet until you’ve got a lawyer.
The best way to avoid all this is to ride safe and stick to the speed limits. Keep it cool on the road, and you won’t have to worry about any of this.
Ride hard, but most importantly, ride safe.
– Camille, The Podor law firm’s Research queen
