Lifestyle

4 minute read

Things To Avoid Saying When Getting Pulled Over By the Police

May 7, 2024

police officiers with hands crossed standing against squad jobs motortion films shutterstock

image credit: motortion-films/shutterstock

When lights flash behind you, and a siren sounds, knowing what to say can be as crucial as knowing what not to say. Anecdotal evidence and legal expertise both suggest that certain phrases can escalate or significantly influence the outcome of an already tense situation when interacting with law enforcement during a traffic stop.

To safeguard your rights while maintaining a calm environment, it’s crucial to be aware of what not to say. Direct and indirect communication is critical in these stressful moments.

Why Did You Stop Me?

shocked couple car driving neigherborhood lightfield studios shutterstock — image credit: lightfield-studios/shutterstock

Asking a police officer why you were stopped can come off as confrontational right from the start. It’s better to wait and allow the officer to explain the reason for the stop. This keeps the initial interaction as calm as possible.

I Only Had a Few Drinks

Friends community beer pub restaurant View Apart Shutterstock — image credit: View Apart/Shutterstock

Mentioning any alcohol consumption can immediately escalate the situation. It gives the officer a reason to pursue a DUI investigation. Instead, remain silent on the matter unless specifically asked.

Do You Know Who I Am?

blonde young woman in glasses car and glasses driving parking lightfield studios shutterstock — image credit: lightfield-studios/shutterstock

This can be perceived as trying to intimidate or unduly influence the officer. It suggests that you expect special treatment due to your status. Such statements rarely endear you to law enforcement and could lead to further scrutiny.

I’m Friends with a Cop

police officer standing in front of his patrol arms cross jobs emergency john roman images shutterstock — image credit: John-roman-images/shutterstock

Name-dropping to suggest you have connections within the police force can backfire. Officers might see this as an attempt to avoid responsibility for your actions. It’s best to handle the stop based on the situation, not who you know.

I Pay Your Salary

Kind police officers smiling standing near police station motortion films shutterstock — image credit: motortion/shutterstock

This phrase is often seen as disrespectful and can sour your interaction. It implies that the officer owes you leniency because you are a taxpayer. Respect and cooperation are more effective than flaunting perceived leverage.

I Wasn’t Doing Anything Wrong

pregnant woman angry driver car yelling Pavle Bugarski shutterstock — image credit: Pavle-Bugarski/shutterstock

Denying all wrongdoing immediately can come across as defensive. It’s more effective to listen to the officer’s explanation of why you were stopped. Questions or disputes about the validity of the stop can be addressed later in court.

You Must Be Bored

police officer jobs fractal pictures shutterstock — image credit: fractal-pictures/shutterstock

Suggesting that the officer has nothing better to do than pull you over belittles their duty. It can be interpreted as an insult. This comment is unlikely to make the encounter any easier for you.

This is Harassment

woman angry driving car upset New Africa shutterstock — image credit: new-africa/shutterstock

Accusing an officer of harassment during the stop can escalate tensions. It’s a serious accusation that can be addressed through the proper channels after the incident. During the stop, focus on being cooperative and collecting information.

Can’t You Let Me Off with a Warning?

male standing over isolated begging praying hope wish please prayer kraken images shutterstock — image credit: kraken-images/shutterstock

Asking for a pass undermines the seriousness of the situation. It suggests you don’t respect the laws or the officer enforcing them. Let the officer decide the course of action without suggestions.

I’m Going to Be Late

angry woman in car driving yelling — image credit: kozak-photo/shutterstock

While your timing might be an issue for you, complaining about it won’t likely change the officer’s procedure. It’s better to accept the delay as part of the traffic stop. Expressing urgency might imply reckless driving as a justification.

You Should Be Catching Real Criminals

middle aged old woman looking outside at window head shot close up Pensive thoughtful elderly mature grandmother fizkes shutterstock — image credit: fizkes/shutterstock

This implies that their work stopping you is trivial. It can be seen as an insult to the officer’s judgment and duties. Officers are tasked with upholding all aspects of the law, including traffic violations.

This Car is New to Me

business male electric car charging halfpoint shutterstock — image credit: halfpoint/shutterstock

Claiming ignorance about your vehicle’s condition or nuances can lead to suspicion. It’s your responsibility to know your vehicle and whether it is in compliance with the law. This statement might invite further investigation.

I Don’t Have My License on Me

male in car tired traffic congestion — image credit: Monstar Studio/shutterstock

Driving without your license is a violation, and saying this won’t help your cause. Always carry your driving documents. If you’ve forgotten, politely explain the situation.

The Speed Limit Signs Were Unclear

Handsome young male in a blue shirt driving a car ground picture shutterstock — image credit: ground-picture/shutterstock

Complaining about road signage can sound like an excuse. It’s the driver’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings. Instead, it’s better to listen and respond appropriately to the officer’s statements.

Everyone Else Was Speeding, Too

irritated young male driving a vehicle is expressing his road rage car driving parking arena creative shutterstock — image credit: arena-creative/shutterstock

Trying to justify your speeding by claiming you were just following the flow of traffic doesn’t absolve you of responsibility. It’s important to adhere to speed limits regardless of others’ actions. This statement can undermine your credibility.

I Need to Use the Bathroom

frustrated questioned and annoyed young woman arguing over bad news shrugging spread hands social phone Ekateryna Zubal shutterstock — image credit: Ekateryna-Zubal/shutterstock

While this might be true, using it as an excuse to expedite the stop might not be taken seriously. If it’s an emergency, explain politely and clearly. Otherwise, wait until the officer has completed their duties.

Can You Hurry Up?

Angry senior male with gray hair father — image credit: kucher-av/shutterstock

Rushing an officer can come across as rude and impatient. They have a process to follow for safety and thoroughness. Expressing haste might be interpreted as trying to avoid scrutiny.

I Have a Bad Day

guy hands on face male worried stressed grief guilt sad depressed troubled yakobchuk viacheslav shutterstock — image credit: yakobchuk-viacheslav/shutterstock

While personal struggles are relatable, they aren’t relevant to the reason you were stopped. Keeping personal issues separate from the interaction is more professional. This approach helps maintain the focus on the matter at hand.

You’re Just Doing This Because I’m [a specific race/gender/etc.]

poc woman angry frustrated RollingCamera shutterstock — image credit: RollingCamera/shutterstock

Accusations of profiling can escalate the situation significantly. If you feel you have been stopped unfairly, it’s better to address this through legal or formal complaints after the incident. During the stop, keep interactions straightforward and fact-based.

That’s Not My Stuff

Prisoner handcuffs corrections LightField Studios Shutterstock — image credit: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

Claiming ignorance about something illegal found in your car can lead to deeper legal issues. Ownership issues should be addressed through proper legal channels. During a stop, it’s crucial to avoid making potentially incriminating statements.

I’m Going to Call My Lawyer Now

law concept lawyer judge court legal esb professional shutterstock — image credit: esb-professional/shutterstock

Threatening legal action during the stop can create an adversarial tone. While you have the right to legal counsel, stating this as a threat isn’t constructive. If legal issues arise, handle them through the appropriate channels after the incident.

What’s the Big Deal?

Vintage Classic Car Beach 4 PM production Shutterstock — image credit: 4 PM production/Shutterstock

Belittling the reason for the stop suggests you don’t take the law seriously. This can irritate the officer and decrease your chances of a positive outcome. Respect the process and address any disagreements later.

Just Give Me the Ticket

angry neighbor fence neighborhood — image credit: rainer-fuhrmann/shutterstock

Demanding a ticket can cut short any chance of the officer possibly giving you a warning. It shows a lack of willingness to communicate or cooperate. Keeping a calm demeanor may lead to a more favorable result.