Washington driving lesson · Conditions and Emergencies
Getting pulled over and getting a ticket
A 3-minute lesson from the Washington 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 both you and the officer know what to expect. Pull over safely, keep your hands visible, and communicate. You can ask questions and later contest a ticket in court, but not by arguing at the roadside.
Know the rule
Police signal a stop with flashing lights and/or a siren.
Tell the officer where your documents are before reaching for them. If the officer doesn't explain the action they're taking (warning, ticket, or arrest), you can ask.
You're pulled over at night. Signal, pull right, and turn off the engine and radio. Turn on your dome light, lower the window on the side the officer approaches, keep your hands on the wheel, and say, "My registration is in the glove box," before reaching for it.
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 an officer's flashing lights behind you, what should you do first?
Wait for the officer to approach before moving
Use your turn signal and pull to the right as soon as it's safe
Stop immediately wherever you are
Speed up to find a safer spot
Answer: Use your turn signal and pull to the right as soon as it's safe
Signal and pull to the right side of the road as soon as it's safe to do so.