Proper procedure when a LEO pulls you over

***WhiteShark*** · Posted On: 12/20/2011 10:12am

Hey I always do something when I get pulled over and I wondered if it helps or just makes cops think I'm a smart ass. As soon as I get over to the side I roll my window down and put both hands out the window. I was told reaching for your registration in the glovebox before the cop gets there is one of the worst things you can do so I tried to think of the opposite.

**Diesel_tke** · Posted On: 12/20/2011 10:17am

Yeah, cops won't sweat that. Another good place is just to put them on the stearing wheel. You would be surprised how well you can see into someone's car at night when the lights are pointed into the car.

**Matt Phillips** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 10:12am

Originally Posted by Bumble Monster

Hey I always do something when I get pulled over and I wondered if it helps or just makes cops think I'm a smart ass. As soon as I get over to the side I roll my window down and put both hands out the window. I was told reaching for your registration in the glovebox before the cop gets there is one of the worst things you can do so I tried to think of the opposite.

Like as in fiddling with the sideview or just sticking straight out the window?

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 11:15am

Originally Posted by Matt Phillips

Like as in fiddling with the sideview or just sticking straight out the window?

Hi Matt. Please don't derail this thread any further. It's in the Armory.

Now as a PSA, I will say that I've had more than one police officer tell me that the safest thing to do is place your hands at the top of the steering wheel where they are easily visible. If you have a gun in the car, remove the magazine, lock the slide in the open position and place them on the dash where they are also easily visible.

**PointyShinyBurn** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 11:18am

Originally Posted by jnp

If you have a gun in the car, remove the magazine, lock the slide in the open position and place them on the dash where they are also easily visible.

Hang on a sec, the suggestion is that you fiddle with a gun while the guy is walking up behind you?

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 11:23am

Removed from: http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=113797

***jnp*** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 11:25am

Originally Posted by PointyShinyBurn

Hang on a sec, the suggestion is that you fiddle with a gun while the guy is walking up behind you?

I believe it would be a good idea to do so as soon as possible when you get pulled over, preferably before the officer gets out of his car.

I would definitely not do this if the officer was already out of his car and walking toward mine. However, I'd like to hear what some of our LEO members recommend as I am certainly no expert in this area.

**It is Fake** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 11:26am

Originally Posted by Bumble Monster

Hey I always do something when I get pulled over and I wondered if it helps or just makes cops think I'm a smart ass. As soon as I get over to the side I roll my window down and put both hands out the window. I was told reaching for your registration in the glovebox before the cop gets there is one of the worst things you can do so I tried to think of the opposite.

Interesting. I keep my hands on the steering wheel until I am told exactly what to do.
Edit:
Also, it is totally area dependent as well. I have grabbed my ID, registration and gone in the glove box in specific areas in my town..

**DaTedBear** · Posted On: 12/21/2011 12:10pm

From my experience, I preferred the subject keep as upright as possible, with no furtive movement. Hands on top of steering wheel, as already pointed out. Would not hurt to roll down your window and turn the engine off. Any movement remotely resembling your attempting access to a weapon will automatically result in my weapon being unholstered. Pretty much best to sit and wait for directions from the officer.