In 2018, the Delaware Legislature mandated that all drivers enrolled in Department of Education Driver Education programs and all persons engaged in Defensive Driving Courses certified by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles include in those courses a discussion a review of Roadside Traffic Stops as of August 1, 2019.
This is the information shared with your Teen Driver during SmartDrive Classic:
This Is How To Act When Pulled Over
While experienced drivers may have been stopped several times, in their driving career, for an inexperienced driver, being pulled over by a police officer for the first time can be a very emotional encounter.
Drivers often feel confused, afraid, and even humiliated when they see flashing lights in their rearview mirror for the first time. There are several things that both “expert” and “novice” drivers should know to make this experience go safely.
10 Things to Remember When Pulled Over by Police
1) As soon as you see the police officer’s flashing lights or hear the car’s siren, TURN ON YOUR EMERGENCY FLASHERS OR RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. This will inform other drivers that you are the driver being pulled over and alert them that you will be slowing down in preparation to pull over.
IMPORTANT – If on a multi-lane highway – do not pull over to the left median lane or shoulder. The police car will assist you in moving to the right and onto the shoulder.
2. SEARCH FOR A SAFE LOCATION TO STOP YOUR CAR. Remember that the police car will be parked behind you, so find a place that is large enough for two vehicles. If you are on an interstate or highway, there is usually an adequate amount of space on the right side of the road for you to pull over there. Never pull over on the left side of the road, even if there is a median. If there is a driveway or business parking lot within a very short distance, most police officers find it acceptable for you to drive slowly to such a location before stopping your vehicle.
3) As soon as you have found a place to pull over and have parked your car, TURN OFF/LOCK THE IGNITION. Never do anything that the police officer might interpret as an intention to get away, no matter how minor your alleged traffic infraction might be.
IMPORTANT – If it is dusk or later – TURN ON INTERIOR LIGHTS in the vehicle so the officer can see all occupants in the vehicle.
4) If you have been pulled over by a marked police car, IMMEDIATELY ROLL DOWN YOUR WINDOW. Be aware of which side of your car the officer is approaching. In some traffic situations, it is safer for the officer to approach on the passenger side of your vehicle.
IMPORTANT – If there are passengers in your vehicle – their behavior is the driver’s (YOUR) responsibility.
Everyone in the vehicle should sit calmly, with their hands visible – the driver should have hands on the wheel.
If you have been pulled over by an unmarked police car, wait until the officer emerges from the vehicle and you can see his credentials before rolling down your window.
5) BE PATIENT, DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. It may take several moments for the police officer to exit their patrol car. This is normal. He or she may need to communicate with the police station to inform them that a vehicle has been stopped or the police officer may be getting information about your car from your license plate.
6) When you first begin to conversation with the police officer, REMAIN CALM, POLITE AND RESPECTFUL.
If you find you are emotional, try to control your feelings so that the officer can speak with you about the reason he pulled you over. If you are unsure of the reason you were stopped, do not become defensive. The police officer will give you a detailed description of the reason or reasons he has for pulling you over.
CAN YOU RECORD YOUR TRAFFIC STOP? –
ACLU Foundation of Maryland
If you or your passengers want to record the conversation with the police officer – please tell the officer before recording.
In most cases, there is the right to record the conversation – but not if the recording interferes with the duties of the officer.
If you do not tell the officer you are recording – you may be in violation of state law.
Use good judgement.
7) DOCUMENTS – The police officer will most likely ask the driver for your driver’s license and a copy of your vehicle’s registration and insurance policy. DO NOT GATHER DOCUMENTS UNTIL ASKED BY THE POLICE OFFICER, and before you do, explain where you are reaching and why.
Most people keep their registration documents and insurance card in their glove compartment.
PARENTS – PLEASE BE SURE YOUR TEEN DRIVER KNOWS WHERE THESE DOCUMENTS ARE KEPT IN THE VEHICLES THEY MAY BE DRIVING.
Once gathered, give them to the police officer. If you do not have one of them, tell the officer and offer an explanation for the missing information.
8) TRAFFIC STOPS ARE MOST OFTEN THE RESULT OF AN OBSERVED DANGEROUS DRIVING BEHAVIOR – SO BE APOLOGETIC.
Although no police officer wants to hear a sob story, it is also a bad idea to refute his or her allegations.
If you were speeding, insure the officer that you understand the consequences of driving over the speed limit and that you will slow down immediately.
If the police office wants to give you a lengthy lecture about safe driving, listen to it and acknowledge what you are hearing.
9) IF THE OFFICER ISSUES YOU A TRAFFIC CITATION, DO NOT ARGUE OR BEG.
If you are only given a warning, thank the officer for understanding.
If the officer only gives you a verbal warning, ensure him or her that you appreciate the opportunity to correct your driving mistakes before having anything put on your driving record.
Again, be respectful. Even if you are unhappy with your ticket, remember that you could be pulled over by this same officer again in the future.
10) WRAPPING UP – When you conversation with the officer has ended, wait for the officer to return to their patrol car.
When the officer is safely in their vehicle, you can put your documents away, buckle-up, start the car and then carefully return to the road and continue on your way.
Now a video review of what was just covered –
How and where to file a complaint against a law-enforcement officer
If you feel you were unfairly treated during a roadside traffic stop – do not argue it on the side of the road.
You should contact the officer’s agency via means determined by such agency. Most agencies have a website with contact information.
A video from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicle explains this –
The Delaware Legislature has enacted Senate Bill 168 to educate the public regarding interacting with law enforcement during a traffic stop. More information can be found on this DelDMV webpage. (link will open in a new browser tab).
PARENTS: You are not required to follow the DMV link to complete this Topic – it is included if you wish to seek more information.
