Being pulled over for speeding is a common offense, but not knowing your rights could make the interaction tricky. Here are some facts to help you navigate the law and protect yourself when getting pulled over.
Pull Over When It’s Safe
Don’t be afraid to take your time when a cop flashes their lights behind you. While you should pull over when it’s safe to do so, you also don’t want to take too long. Officers can get upset if you take too long to pull over and could give you additional tickets. When driving on the interstate, make sure you pull over to the right side of the road and not the left, as officers can hand out additional fines for this.
Police Need Probable Cause or Reasonable Suspicion
An officer cannot legally pull you over and search your vehicle without probable cause. If an officer has illegally searched your vehicle, you need a lawyer that has experience defending those accused of traffic violations. Cops cannot just pull you over for no reason and search your car. However, if you were speeding and an officer found any illegal substances, they have legal privileges to check your vehicle.
You Can Stay in Your Car
Say you get pulled over for allegedly speeding and the officer asks you to step out of the vehicle. The law is on your side in this situation, as you simply aren’t required to exit your car and can remain in the driver’s seat. Of course, remaining seated might raise suspicions for the officer. If you aren’t under the influence or don’t have any substances in your vehicle, then you have a strong case to stay in your automobile.
Use Your Fifth Amendment Right
If you receive a traffic violation, remember you can use your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. If an officer begins asking you questions during a traffic stop, you have the right to not answer some or all of their questions.
Have you been pulled over recently and need legal assistance for your traffic offense? Attorney Townsend Myers has years of experience defending New Orleans-area clients at NOLA Criminal Law. His philosophy is built around honest service with a problem-solver attitude. To schedule a free consultation, contact the office online or call (504) 571-9529.
