You Just Got Pulled Over: What Every Teen Needs To Know

As teenagers, it’s essential to understand the legal system and your rights. Navigating the law as a young adult can be intimidating, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can protect yourself and make informed decisions. Here is some legal advice and tips on what to do if a cop pulls you over:

Imagine driving home from soccer practice to hearing piercing sirens, only to look in your mirror and find the blinding police lights coming up behind you. Getting pulled over is something many of us will experience, so let's make sure you know how to handle it safely and confidently.

What to Do When You See Police Lights:

When you are driving and first notice the lights flashing behind you, pull off to the right. If the cop continues to follow you over to the next lane, it is likely you are the one being pulled over. Your next step is to put on your blinker or hazards in order to indicate to the cop that you see them and are pulling over to a safe area. If you are on the highway, this might mean getting off at the nearest exit.

Once pulled over, put your car in park and turn off your engine. Crack your window so that you can talk to the officer and hand him identification. You have the right to remain silent, and if you choose to enact this right, politely tell the officer that you are enacting your right to remain silent. If the cop asks to search your vehicle you have a right to say no to a search, as they need your consent to do so without probable cause or a warrant.

What to Do While Conversing with the Officer:

• Be polite and stay calm. Making sure you don't escalate the situation is really important for your safety and might even reduce your chances of getting a ticket.

• Assert your rights with the cop, if you calmly state your rights to the cop, they cannot legally perform the actions discussed above without your consent.

• Communicate the actions you are taking to the cop. For example, if you need to reach into your glove box for your ID, ask them for permission to do so before moving your hands.

• Keep your hands visible to the officer at all times.

• Call 911 if you feel unsafe or to make sure that you are being pulled over by a real cop car.

• Record the interaction if you start to feel unsafe.

• If you get arrested say "I want to speak to my attorney" and invoke your right to remain silent. After that do not speak until your attorney has arrived so you don't incriminate yourself.

What NOT to Do While Conversing with the Officer:

• Do not argue with the officer. Avoid any conflict you can.

• Don't make any sudden movements.

• Don't lie to the cop. In that case, just remain silent.

• Never physically resist the officer. If you think they are being unlawful, simply challenge them in court later.

Final Thoughts:

Stay informed and stay safe. Share this with your friends and family so they can handle the situation with the same confidence that you can. Check out my blog post on consent laws for teens to learn even more about your rights in everyday situations.