A 4-minute lesson from the Texas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A traffic stop goes smoothly when you pull over safely, stay calm and keep your hands visible. Texas law also spells out what you must provide, what you may refuse, and how to handle a stop you're unsure about.
When you're stopped, it's suggested you:
Slow down and move safely to the right; park as far right as possible (shoulder, or a lit side street/lot)
Put the vehicle in park, set the emergency brake, turn off the engine, and turn on hazard lights
At night, turn on the interior dome light
Stay in the car; lower your window if safe; keep both hands on top of the steering wheel
Tell the officer if you're transporting any weapon
Before reaching for license or insurance, tell the officer where they are and follow directions
If asked to get out, check for passing traffic; keep passengers in the car unless told otherwise
When released, signal and safely return to your lane
State law requires you to stop immediately for an authorized emergency vehicle, or you may be arrested. If it's unsafe to stop or you doubt the vehicle is real police, turn on hazards, drive slowly below the limit, call 9-1-1, and stop at a nearby well-lit, populated place.
Don't get out unless asked; it can be seen as aggressive. Don't dig for documents before or as the officer approaches. If you carry a handgun, keep it separate from your license and insurance papers.
A traffic stop is an investigative detention that may last only a reasonable time. Passengers may ask if they're free to leave, and leave if the officer agrees.
You can't be punished for refusing to answer questions, but drivers must display a license when an officer requests it. If lawfully arrested, you must give your name, residence address, and date of birth.
You may grant or deny consent to a search. With probable cause that your vehicle holds evidence of a crime, it can be searched without consent. If an officer reasonably believes you have a weapon, they may pat you down and check the area around you. Never physically resist a search.
Signing a citation is not an admission of guilt; it's a promise to pay the fine or contact the court. Contest the charge before a judge or jury, not at the roadside.
To complain about an officer's conduct, report it to the officer's superiors following agency guidelines. Officers normally give their name and badge number on request.
Intentionally fleeing a known peace officer or federal special investigator trying to lawfully arrest or detain you; penalties rise if you use a vehicle or cause injury.
An unmarked car with flashing lights signals you to stop on a dark, empty road. Turn on your hazards, slow down below the limit, call 9-1-1 to verify the officer while you drive, and stop at the nearest well-lit, populated place.
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.
Where should you position your vehicle when pulled over by law enforcement?
In the center lane so the officer can reach you
In the left lane next to the median
Stopped in your lane with hazards on
As far right as safely possible, such as the shoulder
Answer: As far right as safely possible, such as the shoulder
Move as far right as safely possible, using the shoulder or a nearby well-lit area if needed.