A 3-minute lesson from the Nebraska course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Traffic stops are stressful for everyone, including the officer. Officers stop drivers when they reasonably suspect a traffic or criminal violation. Staying calm and following a few steps keeps the stop 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 the vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out
At night, turn on your interior lights
Keep your hands on the steering wheel or somewhere visible
Follow all instructions given to you or your passengers
An officer not in uniform will typically show credentials; if not, you may ask to see them. The officer will usually explain the stop and ask for your license, proof of insurance and registration.
If you disagree, don't argue at the roadside; contest it in court. To question an officer's conduct, ask to speak to a supervisor, ideally soon after the stop.
It's 10 p.m. and you're pulled over. Signal, pull to the side, shut off the engine and radio, turn on the dome light, and keep both hands on the wheel. Your registration is in the glove box: tell the officer that and wait for the go-ahead before reaching.
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 are pulled over, before reaching for your license or documents you should:
Immediately open the glovebox
Exit the vehicle right away
Roll down all windows at once
Wait for the officer's instructions
Answer: Wait for the officer's instructions
Wait for the officer's acknowledgement before reaching for documents.