If Stopped by a Police Officer
• When an officer signals you to pull over, slow
down. Look for the first opportunity to pull off
safely on the right side of road.
• Stay inside your car and roll down the window.
• Step outside only if asked to do so by the officer.
He or she may check to see if you are under influence
of drugs or alcohol.
• If the officer thinks you are under the influence of alcohol,
he or she may require that you step out of your
car. You may then be asked to perform field sobriety
tests, including walking a line, touching your nose, and
saying the alphabet. These tests are 100 percent voluntary.
You may refuse to submit to them.
• Provide the officer with your license and proof of
insurance when asked.
• Provide the officer with any reason for violating a traffic
code after the officer explains why you were pulled
over.
• Always be polite. Officers have some discretion in issuing
citations.
• The officer may take your license and issue you a temporary
license to ensure that you appear in court.
The citation should indicate when and where your
court appearance will be.
• Never try to flee when an officer attempts to pull you
over. Doing so will increase penalties against you, including
the possibility of license suspension. It may also
result in your being charged with the crime of evading
