Published October 6, 2026
Last reviewed October 6, 2026.
Right away
- Pull over safely, turn off the engine, turn on the interior light at night.
- Keep your hands on the wheel. Tell the officer before reaching for anything.
- Start recording if you can do it safely. Most courts recognize the right to record police in public.
What you must do
- Provide your driver's license, registration and proof of insurance when asked.
- Follow lawful orders. The Supreme Court has held that officers may order the driver (Pennsylvania v. Mimms, 1977) and passengers (Maryland v. Wilson, 1997) out of the car during a lawful stop.
What you can decline
- Answering questions like where you are going or where you have been. You can say, "I prefer not to answer questions."
- Consent to a search. Say clearly, "I do not consent to searches." Officers may still search if they have probable cause, but your refusal matters later in court.
- You do not have to agree to delay. The Supreme Court held in Rodriguez v. United States (2015) that a stop cannot be extended beyond its purpose without reasonable suspicion.
Passengers
Passengers are seized during a stop too (Brendlin v. California, 2007). Whether passengers must identify themselves depends on the state.
If you get a ticket
Sign it if required. Signing is not an admission of guilt in most states. Contest it in court, not on the roadside.
Afterward
Write down the officer's name, badge and car number. If something went wrong, request the body camera and dash camera video with the CopFax request letter generator and consider filing a complaint.
CopFax is not a law firm and this is not legal advice.