TRAFFIC STOPS

when being pulled over

* Identify the situation
* Pull over to a safe area
* Park your vehicle
* Keep your hands on the steering wheel
* Stay in your vehicle, unless officer says otherwise
* Remain calm and cooperative
* Sign the ticket
* Leave safely

DRIVER RIGHTS

* have the right to stop in an area where you feel safe
* Look for a place that is well lit, populated by other people
* turn on your hazard lights

DRIVER RIGHTS (PT 2)

* Once stopped, you can call 911 to verify that the person who is pulling you over is an authorized police officer
* may keep the doors locked and windows up while you do so
* can ID an officer by name and badge number, which should be clearly displayed on their uniform
* You may ask if you are being detained or arrested

DRIVER RIGHTS (PT 3)

* An officer may search you or your vehicle without your consent if they have probable cause
* can request to be searched by an officer of the same gender if that makes you more comfortable
* record audio and video of the police performing their duties
* may issue a formal complaint about an officer’s conduct if you see fit

What is the purpose of the Community Safety Education Act?

defines behavioral expectations of law enforcement & citizens during a traffic stop

when was the Community Safety Education Act passed in TX?

2017

what is the goal of the Community Safety Education Act?

lessen tensions and anxieties that may arise during a traffic stop

what are the goals at the end of the traffic stop section?

* interact responsibly with law enforcement officers to provide a safe envt
* safely & responsibly show proper behavior & actions for civilians during interactions w law enforcement during traffic stops

when getting stopped

* keep hands visible, on steering wheel
* don’t move around
* don’t refuse to give drivers license bc you can be arrested for this

if you forget your license & don’t have it in your car, will you be arrested?

no, you will only get a citation & they can confirm you have a drivers license when they get enough basic info about you

during a traffic stop, the officer should only conduct business w the ----

driver

An officer will only speak with a passenger during a traffic stop if the passenger has committed a -----.

violation

The role of law enforcement is to:

* provide assistance to Texas' citizens
* enforce the State's traffic laws
* ensure you and law enforcement make it home safely

rights during a traffic stop include:

* remain silent, except for truthfully IDing yourself
* refuse to have vehicle searched
* HW, if officer has reason to believe that your vehicle has evidence of a crime, vehicle can be searched without consent
* If officer suspects a weapon, officer may conduct a pat-down search

common **Reasons for A Traffic Stop: (7 violations)**

* Speeding
* Tailgating
* Weaving in your lane
* Improper turn
* Unsafe passing
* Unbuckled seatbelt
* Cellphone use/texting

common **Reasons for A Traffic Stop: Vehicle Malfunction**

* Tailight out
* Headlight out
* Low tire
* Brake light out

common **Reasons for A Traffic Stop: State Requirements**

* Registration expired
* License plates missing

other general reasons why officer could pull you over include:

* vehicle fits general description of a vehicle used in a crime
* You fit general description of someone that has committed a crime
* Your vehicle was used in and/or you committed a crime

do not let ----- dictate how a traffic stop goes

emotions

Texas state law requires a driver to immediately ---- when approached by an authorized emergency vehicle. If you do not stop immediately, you may be --------

stop, arrested

things to do if you’re concerned/unsure about an officer’s ID?

* Turn on hazard lights & drive slowly below posted speed limit
* Call 911 and remain on phone with operator while you stop and verify officer's ID
* Drive to a nearby well-lit, populated place to stop

actions after seeing the police flashing lights:

* Slow down and move safely to the R of road
* Park vehicle as far to the R of main traffic lane as possible.
* If available park on the right shoulder OR
* Park on a nearby well-lit side street or parking lot away from high volume traffic
* Place your vehicle in a parking position, set the emergency brake, turn the engine off, and activate the hazard warning lights.
* If at night, turn on the interior dome light.

actions after seeing the police flashing lights: (pt 2)

* Remain in car.
* Lower driver's window.
* Keep both hands clearly in sight on top of steering wheel.
* Wait for officer to give you instructions.
* An officer may approach from either side of the vehicle.

even though you know you will be asked for your drivers license & registration, ----- try to look for them as the officer approaches, they interpret this as a ----

don’t, threat

Before reaching for insurance or driver's license:

* Inform the officer of where the items are located
* Follow the officer's directions

should you sign a ticket? why?

yes, bc you’re just confirming that you will go before a judge for your ticket, not that you agree w it

what to do after signing a ticket:

must contact court to tell them what you’re planning on doing

what are your options when calling the court?

* can ask to go to trial & have a judge decide case
* some courts allow you to take defensive driving courses
* pay the fine, most courts will allow a payment plan
* ask & do the action before date of citation

what to do if you think officer acted inappropriately?

go to court & contact officer’s employing agency

when asked if they can search your car, you can ---- or if you say yes, you can ---- your mind

deny, change

If you do not have your driver license, tell the officer your (3)

* name
* address
* date of birth

Drivers and passengers should **not** exit the vehicle unless asked to do so by the office

T

Exiting your vehicle may be perceived as ------- behavior 

aggressive

The traffic stop concludes with the officer ------- you

releasing

reminders for when stopped

* Refrain from arguing charge during traffic stop/ detention.
* Signing a citation is **not** admitting guilt.

The information needed to file a compliment or complaint can be found on your -----

citation

What are the first things you should do when you are being pulled over by an officer?

put your vehicle in park & turn off engine