Official Business: What To Do If You Get Pulled Over

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

We New Yorkers, even if we are Long Islanders are all about the “bright lights and big city”, but, when it comes to beaming lights, ones we never want to see are those belonging to our local “do-gooders”, the police force and State Troopers.

And, while getting pulled over is NEVER preferable, there are some thing you can do that might score you some points for good behaviour.

1. Offer an immediate response: At your first available opportunity, pull over. Even if the officer isn’t after you, it shows that you have respect for an emergency vehicle’s right of way

2. Always hedge over to your right: Never pull over to your left. On a divided highway, signal and safely move over, first to the fare right lane, and then over to the shoulder, preferably without a guardrail and with a full shoulder. Remember, pulling off to the left side of the road may obstruct traffic and pulling aside by a guardrail may make it difficult for the officer to approach your car, which is likely to add fuel to the fire.

3. Have paperwork prepared: At least know where it is located. Remember, most likely you’ll be asked for you license, registration and insurance. Making and officer wait, and wait, wait, won’t win you any sympathy

4. Offer the officer a good vibe: If you’re pulled over at night, turn on your dome light and keep your hands where they are visible. Also avoid making any sudden movements. Roll your window down, remain in the car and exert common sense and avoid putting the officer in an uncomfortable situation.

5. Keep Quiet: Give the officer the opportunity to speak first. And, remain calm, even if you’re upset about being pulled over. Also never volunteer information. Let the officer inform you of why you got pulled over and respond and react kindly, even if you don’t agree.

6. Avoid Arguing: Challenging the officer is only setting yourself up while putting him/her more on the defensive, making the officer less inclined to “go easy” on you.