A 2-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
You may interact with law enforcement for many reasons, including a traffic stop. Staying calm and following instructions keeps the stop safe for everyone.
When an officer signals you to stop:
Carefully pull over to a clear area when it is safe
Don't stop in the travel lane
On busy streets or highways, a parking lot or less busy side street may be safest
Turn off your vehicle
Keep your hands visible—on the steering wheel is recommended
An optional indicator for drivers with autism and/or who are deaf or hard of hearing. It's printed on your license or ID and visible in the database officers check during a stop.
Flashing lights appear behind you on a busy four-lane street. Signal, pull into the next parking lot or quiet side street, turn off the engine, put your hands on the wheel, and wait for instructions.
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.
When you see a law enforcement vehicle signaling you to stop, what should you do?
Stop immediately in the travel lane
Pull over to a clear area when safe
Keep driving until the officer passes
Wait for a second signal before responding
Answer: Pull over to a clear area when safe
Pull over to a clear area when safe; the manual specifically says not to stop in the travel lane.