Roadwise States Wyoming Driving lessons When you're stopped by police Wyoming driving lesson · Seat Belts, Alcohol & Drugs
When you're stopped by police A 3-minute lesson from the Wyoming course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Read time 3 minutes
Course unit Seat Belts, Alcohol & Drugs
Checkpoint questions 6
Source pages 38, 39, 40 A traffic stop is stressful for you and dangerous for the officer. Pull over safely, keep your hands visible and follow directions. If you disagree with a ticket, the place to argue is court, not the roadside.
Reasons an officer may stop you: To warn you about a potentially dangerous situation You may have committed a traffic violation Your vehicle matches the description of one used in a crime The officer thinks you're in trouble and need help You may have witnessed a crime Handbook p. 38 ↗ Know the rule
When you see blue and red lights or hear a siren, stay calm, slow down and pull to the right in a safe spot. Don't stop in the lane of travel, on a bridge or against a guardrail.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ Once stopped: Put your vehicle in park Roll down your window, end phone calls and turn down the radio Stay in the vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out Keep your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them Turn on your interior light at night Tell the officer about any weapons and where they are, without reaching or pointing Avoid sudden movements toward the floorboard, rear seat or passenger side Handbook p. 39 ↗ An officer will generally: Provide his or her name on request Tell you the reason you were stopped Handbook p. 39 ↗ Know the rule
Wyoming law requires you to carry your driver license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration, and to show them when asked.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ During the conversation: If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before reaching Ask passengers to stay quiet and cooperate; you alone are responsible for the vehicle and occupants Answer all questions truthfully If a ticket's reason is unclear, politely ask for details Don't argue; you can contest the violation in court Handbook p. 40 ↗ Know the rule
You may politely refuse a request to search your car. If probable cause exists, the officer may search without your consent.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Know the rule
For a working emergency or maintenance vehicle with lights on at the roadside, merge to the farthest lane (interstate) or slow by at least 20 mph (two-lane road).
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Know the rule
If an emergency vehicle with lights activated is overtaking you, pull off to the right side of the road and stop until it passes.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Put it into practice
You're pulled over at night and your registration is in the glove box. Turn on the dome light, keep your hands on the wheel, and tell the officer, "My registration is in the glove box," before reaching for it.
A useful reminder Hands on the wheel, stay in the car, and say where things are before you reach.
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.
You should exit your vehicle immediately after being pulled over so the officer can see you clearly. True False Answer: False
Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so; wait for direction from the officer.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ What should a driver do first when they see emergency lights and hear a siren behind them? Speed up to find a safe place farther ahead Remain calm, slow down, and pull safely to the right Stop immediately in the current lane Pull to the left shoulder Answer: Remain calm, slow down, and pull safely to the right
When you see flashing lights or hear a siren, remain calm, slow down, and pull over to the right of the roadway in a safe location.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ What should you do with your hands while waiting for an officer to approach your stopped vehicle? Reach for your license and registration immediately Keep them in your lap out of sight Keep them on the steering wheel so the officer can see them Rest them on the dashboard Answer: Keep them on the steering wheel so the officer can see them
Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ If your license or registration is out of reach when an officer requests it, what should you do? Reach for it immediately without saying anything Ask the officer to retrieve it for you Exit the vehicle to get it Tell the officer where it is before reaching for it Answer: Tell the officer where it is before reaching for it
If your documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ Does a driver have the right to refuse a police officer's request to search their car? Yes, unless the officer has probable cause No, a driver must always consent to a vehicle search Yes, and a search always requires a warrant No, unless the car is registered to someone else Answer: Yes, unless the officer has probable cause
You have the right to politely deny a request to search your car; however, if probable cause is present, the officer may search without consent.
Handbook p. 40 ↗ According to the handbook, what should you do about weapons in your vehicle during a traffic stop? Say nothing unless directly asked Tell the officer where they are, without reaching Immediately hand the weapon to the officer Hide the weapon from view before the officer arrives Answer: Tell the officer where they are, without reaching
Inform the officer of any weapons in your vehicle and their location; do not reach or point to the location.
Handbook p. 39 ↗ Previous lesson Implied consent and other drugs Next lesson Speed limits and adjusting your speed More in Seat Belts, Alcohol & Drugs About the source Roadwise’s Wyoming course uses the driver handbook edition supplied with this study pack. This lesson cites source pages 38, 39, 40. The linked PDF is a third-party mirror of the handbook, rather than a government-hosted page.
Open the handbook source PDF · View the source edition
For current application requirements, fees, appointments, and the format that applies to your age or license type, check Wyoming’s WYDOT. Roadwise provides study material and does not issue permits or licenses.