A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Being pulled over is stressful, but knowing what to do keeps you, the officer and other drivers safe. If you disagree with a ticket, the place to argue is court, not the roadside.
When you see emergency lights behind you:
Stay calm, turn on your signal and pull off the road as soon and as safely as possible
Turn off the ignition and radio
Stay inside unless the officer tells you to get out
Keep both hands on the steering wheel where they're easily seen
Ask passengers to stay calm, stay inside and keep their hands in plain view
Put down your cell phone and other devices; give the officer your full attention
If there are weapons in the vehicle, tell the officer at first contact
Don't make sudden moves or search for documents until told to
If you feel an officer acted inappropriately, document the behavior and report it to the officer's agency promptly. The time, date, location and other details are key.
It's night and an officer pulls you over. Your registration is in the glove box. Turn on the interior light, keep your hands on the wheel and tell the officer where the registration is before you reach for it.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
What are the three documents you must be ready to present at a traffic stop?
Driver license, passport, and Social Security card
Vehicle title, insurance card, and birth certificate
License, insurance, and registration
Registration, receipt of purchase, and inspection sticker
Answer: License, insurance, and registration
The documents required at traffic stops are your driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.