Your place · Car ownership
Getting pulled over
Signal, pull all the way over to the right, stop somewhere well lit if you can, turn off the radio, roll down the window and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Have your license, registration and insurance ready. Stay calm, and save any argument for court.
You'll need
- Your driver's license
- Your registration and proof of insurance, kept where you can reach them without digging
What to know
- See lights or hear a siren behind you? Pull to the right and stop. It's the law to yield to an emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Source: California DMV3
- Turn on your right turn signal so the officer knows you see them, and move completely onto the right shoulder. Stop in a well-lit area when possible. Source: California DMV1
- Turn off the radio, stay in the car unless the officer tells you to get out, and roll down your window before the officer reaches you. Source: California DMV1
- Put your hands in clear view, and have passengers do the same, before the officer walks up. Source: California DMV1 At night, turn on your interior lights so the officer can see inside, and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Source: Oklahoma DPS2
- Hand over your license, registration and proof of insurance when asked. The driver has to produce them. Source: California DMV1 If they're out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them. Source: Oklahoma DPS2 If you have a weapon in the car, tell the officer at first contact. Source: Oklahoma DPS2
- Follow directions to get out or stay in. An officer can legally require the driver and passengers to do either. Source: California DMV1
- Know what you can say no to. If an officer asks permission to search your car, you can say clearly that you don't consent. But don't resist or interfere, even if they search anyway. Source: California DMV1
- Get a ticket? Take it calmly, and handle it later with Tickets and a towed car.
What to say
- "Hi, officer." Then wait and listen.
- "My license is in my wallet in my back pocket. Is it OK if I get it?"
- "I don't consent to a search." (Calm, clear, then stop talking about it.)
- "Am I free to go?" (Once the stop seems done.)
A text to a parent or friend after
Just got pulled over at [place] for [reason]. I'm fine. I got a [ticket / warning]. I'll fill you in tonight.
See it done
Video by Cobb County Police Department Government
Traffic Stop Tips
2017 · Checked October 3, 2026
A police department's own advice, from Georgia in 2017. It mentions Georgia law; the basics match California's handbook in our steps.
Video won't load at school or work? No problem. Everything you need is in the steps; the video's just a bonus. Watch it on YouTube later.
If it doesn't work
- Recording the stop? In general you can record in public, but say right away that you're recording, and don't reach into hidden places for your phone without permission. Source: California DMV1
- Want to file a complaint? Contact the officer's department and ask for its complaint process. See Getting free legal help if you need advice.
- Don't have proof of insurance in the car? Keep a digital copy in your phone and a paper card in the glove box.
Good to know
The details, if you want them. Tap a line to open it.
The reason for the stop
In California, officers must state why they stopped you before asking questions about a crime or traffic violation, with a narrow safety exception, and the reason must be written on the ticket or report. Source: California DMV1
Take it with you
Printable cardDownload card (PDF)Sources
- California DMV California Driver's Handbook: Navigating the roads (law enforcement stops)
- Oklahoma Department of Public Safety What should I do if I'm pulled over?
- California DMV California Driver's Handbook: Laws and rules of the road
Lesson H6.8 · Last checked October 3, 2026 against the sources listed.
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