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Virginia driving lesson · Dangerous Driving Behaviors

Traffic Stops

A 3-minute lesson from the Virginia 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
Dangerous Driving Behaviors
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
28

Being pulled over is stressful for you and potentially dangerous for the officer. Your job is to stay calm, make your hands and intentions obvious, and save any disagreement for court.

When the officer signals you to stop:

  • Remain calm
  • Pull to the side of the road in a safe location and park
  • Turn on your flashers; at night, turn on interior lights
  • Turn off engine, radio and anything that could block communication
  • Roll down your window; the officer may approach either side
Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Stay in your vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Keep your safety belt fastened, and ask passengers to keep theirs fastened.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel, and ask passengers to do the same. Don't make movements that look like hiding or reaching for something.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Carry a valid license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If asked, say where they are and reach slowly, keeping one hand on the wheel.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

If the officer is in an unmarked car or not in uniform, you may ask to see identification.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Answer questions fully and clearly. If you disagree, don't argue then; you'll have your chance in court.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Know the rule

Sign the citation: it is not an admission of guilt. Refusing to sign may lead to arrest, or you may be required to go to the police station.

Handbook p. 28 ↗

Put it into practice

An officer stops you at night and your registration is in the glove box. Turn on the interior light, keep both hands on the wheel, tell the officer where it is, then reach for it slowly with one hand.

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 pulled over by police, what should you do with your vehicle?
  1. Stop immediately in your current lane
  2. Pull over in a safe place and park
  3. Continue driving until you reach a police station
  4. Stop on the left shoulder

Answer: Pull over in a safe place and park

Pull your vehicle to the side of the road in a safe location and park.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
If you are pulled over at night, what should you do?
  1. Turn off all lights to avoid blinding the officer
  2. Turn on your high beams so the officer can see
  3. Turn on your vehicle's interior lights
  4. Step out and walk to the officer's car

Answer: Turn on your vehicle's interior lights

If pulled over at night, turn on your vehicle's interior lights so the officer can see inside.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
During a traffic stop, where should you keep your hands?
  1. In your lap
  2. Holding your license and registration
  3. Out the window
  4. In plain view, preferably on the steering wheel

Answer: In plain view, preferably on the steering wheel

Keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel, during a traffic stop.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
If an officer asks for your license, registration, and insurance, how should you reach for them?
  1. Slowly, one hand on the wheel
  2. As quickly as possible to avoid delay
  3. Only after exiting the vehicle
  4. With both hands at once

Answer: Slowly, one hand on the wheel

Tell the officer where your documents are and reach for them slowly, keeping one hand on the wheel.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
If you disagree with the officer during a traffic stop, what should you do?
  1. Refuse to sign the citation to show your disagreement
  2. Save your argument for court
  3. Argue your case immediately with the officer
  4. Explain your side calmly before signing

Answer: Save your argument for court

If you disagree with the officer, don't discuss your point of view then; you'll have your chance in court.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
What happens if you refuse to sign a traffic citation?
  1. Nothing; signing is entirely optional
  2. The ticket is automatically voided
  3. You may be arrested or taken to the station
  4. You receive a warning instead of a citation

Answer: You may be arrested or taken to the station

Refusal to sign the citation may result in your arrest, or you may be required to go to the police station.

Handbook p. 28 ↗
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