If you're getting pulled over at night/bad weather/dark area, is it really ok to wait to pull over?

Question

I have always heard it was ok to drive to a well lit area if a cop tries to pull you over at night/back alleys/bad weather so that you will be safe if it is a bad cop or someone who is not a cop at all. Is this true?

Answer 1

The answer above is incorrect, pulling over for the police is not mentioned anywhere in federal law. You can search here: http://law.justia.com/codes/



The correct answer is, it depends on which state you are in. In my state the law requires you to immediately pull to the right and stop, as opposed to drive around with hazard flashers on.



304.022. 1. Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren or while having at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle or a flashing blue light authorized by section 307.175, RSMo, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as far as possible to the right of, the traveled portion of the highway and thereupon stop and remain in such position until such emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer.

Answer 2

When you hear the siren or see the lights ... pull to the right. Continuing to drive, even with your hazard lights on is a mistake.



The officer chooses where the stop takes place. Pull to the right and shut off the radio. If they want you to go to a different location, they will tell you.



They hit the lights, you keep driving ... the officer calls in the plate and requests additional units. You might "verify that it's a real cop" when you roll up on a road block.

Answer 3

The latest advice from law enforcement I am aware of is, if you have any doubt, put your 4-way flashers on and call 911 on your cell phone to verify the traffic stop while you drive the speed limit or slower to a well lit, populated area. Once you are sure it is law enforcement, turn on the interior lights and keep your hands on the steering wheel, in plain sight, until the officer approaches the vehicle. Check with local authorities to be certain.

Answer 4

Yes that is true. If you don't feel safe you can drive to a well lit area and and stop.



You can also call 911 and tell them you're being followed and they will be able to tell you if the cop car following you is a legit police officer or not.

Answer 5

It depends upon the circumstances. However, usually, so long as there does not appear to be an effort on your part to "run" and you pull over at the first well lit area, it should be ok. Of course the officer trying to pull you over might see things differently and that is the risk you take. I would venture to say, considering the recent news out of Mississippi, where they felt that a man was holding himself out as a police officer and later killing his victims, that policemen might be more understanding. Also, the traffic in the area in which the officer is trying to pull you over is also something that I feel needs to be considered.

Answer 6

That all depends on how far you have to drive to find a well lite area. l go pulled over by a cop on a barren road after doing a California stop, slow down hit your brakes and go before you make a full stop. The cop gave me a ticket and no cars drove while all this was going on. did l say that area was completely dark too.

Answer 7

of path you're a bad individual. in case you do no longer pull a chair out from somebody as they're approximately to take a seat down... how is your pal who many times does the pulling ever get to savour being a spectator. the rest you may desire to NO?

Answer 8

According to the law, (Federal), you must put on your hazard blinkers and drive slowly to a lit area. The emergency blinkers advises the officer that you will comply with his orders to pull over, as demonstrated by his flashing lights.



-Birdy

Answer 9

If you are that apprehensive about it, get on your cell phone and call 911. Explain to the dispatcher what is going on and where you are. Give your registration tag number if you know it. The dispatcher can radio the officer and let him know what is going on.

*_Probably_* there will be no issues if you do that but there is no guarantee that you would not be arrested for "flight to avoid arrest" or some such.

Answer 10

Yes, it is alright. You should call 911 on your cell to say "I see a cop behind me, is he really one of yours?" Or not - you don't want to use a non-hands free cell to do that; that might be another charge.



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Answer 11

You can cruise slowly with your hazards on to a better spot.