I’ve Been Pulled Over By The Police
Updated: Jul 11, 2022
Your rights
Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent.
Consider using the new Siri shortcut “I’m getting pulled over”. It will dim your phone, pause any music being played, and start recording video from your front-facing camera. It can also send your current location and a copy of that video to an emergency contact, though you’ll need to confirm a few pop-up messages to complete these steps.
If you’re a passenger, you can ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, you may silently leave.
How to reduce risk to yourself
Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible.
Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel. If you’re in the passenger seat, put your hands on the dashboard.
Upon request (and not before – don’t go reaching into your glove box before the office comes to your window), show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Avoid making sudden movements, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. If you intend to move your hands from the wheel or dashboard, tell the officer what you intend to do before doing it.
What to do if you are arrested or detained
Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
If you have been arrested by police, you have the right to make a local phone call. LegalShield members can call the Emergency Access line using the LegalShield app. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer. They can and often will listen to a call made to anyone else.
If you believe your rights were violated
After the stop is completed, write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get contact information for witnesses.
If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.