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Mississippi driving lesson · Hazards, Crashes & Emergencies

When you're pulled over

A 3-minute lesson from the Mississippi course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Hazards, Crashes & Emergencies
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
67, 68

Officers make traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic or criminal violation. A stop can be stressful for everyone. Staying calm, visible and cooperative keeps you, your passengers and the officer safe.

When you see emergency lights behind you:

  • Signal and pull off or to the side of the road as soon as it's safe
  • Turn off the engine and any audio devices
  • Stay in your vehicle unless the officer directs you to get out
  • At night, turn on your interior lights
  • Keep your hands on the steering wheel or where they're easily seen
  • Follow all instructions the officer gives you or your passengers
Handbook p. 67 ↗

As the officer approaches (from either side):

  • Lower the window on that side
  • Tell the officer on first contact if you have a weapon in the vehicle
  • Wait for instructions before reaching for your license or vehicle documents
Handbook p. 68 ↗

The officer will typically:

  • Explain why you were stopped or ask about your trip
  • Ask for your driver's license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration
  • Show credentials if not in uniform; if they don't, you may ask to see them
Handbook p. 68 ↗

Know the rule

If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for the officer's acknowledgment before reaching for them.

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Know the rule

If asked to exit, keep your hands visible, get out, and stand where the officer directs. The officer may give a warning or a ticket or make an arrest, and will typically explain; if not, you may ask.

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Know the rule

If you disagree, don't prolong the stop by arguing; you can contest the decision in court. Accepting and signing a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt.

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Know the rule

If you believe an officer acted inappropriately, contact the officer's agency and ask to speak to a supervisor, ideally as soon as possible after the stop.

Handbook p. 68 ↗

Put it into practice

You're pulled over at night and 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. Reach for it only after the officer acknowledges.

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.

During a traffic stop, when should you reach for your driver's license or vehicle documents?
  1. After waiting for the officer's instructions
  2. Only if asked twice
  3. Immediately, before the officer approaches
  4. Whenever you feel ready

Answer: After waiting for the officer's instructions

You should wait for the officer's instructions before reaching for your license or documents.

Handbook p. 68 ↗
What should you tell the officer immediately upon first contact during a traffic stop, if applicable?
  1. Your insurance company's name
  2. Your previous driving record
  3. Whether you have a weapon in the vehicle
  4. Why you think you were stopped

Answer: Whether you have a weapon in the vehicle

You should let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact.

Handbook p. 68 ↗
Does signing a traffic ticket mean you are admitting guilt?
  1. Yes, unless you contest it within 24 hours
  2. Yes, signing is a legal admission of guilt
  3. No
  4. Only if you also pay the fine on the spot

Answer: No

The handbook clarifies that accepting and signing a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt.

Handbook p. 68 ↗
Should you exit your vehicle during a traffic stop unless directed to do so by the officer?
  1. Yes, if you plan to record the interaction
  2. Yes, but only if it's daytime
  3. No
  4. Yes, always exit immediately to show cooperation

Answer: No

You should stay in your vehicle unless the officer directs you to exit.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
What should you do with your engine and any audio devices once you're pulled over?
  1. Turn them off
  2. Turn off the audio but leave the engine running
  3. Turn the engine off but leave the radio on
  4. Leave both on until the officer arrives

Answer: Turn them off

Once stopped, you should turn off the engine and any audio devices.

Handbook p. 67 ↗
If you disagree with an officer's decision during a traffic stop, you should argue extensively at the scene to resolve it immediately.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

You should not prolong the contact by arguing; instead, you may contest the decision later through legal channels.

Handbook p. 68 ↗
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