What to Do If You Get Pulled Over: A Guide for Teen Drivers and Parents

No matter how old or how experienced a driver you are, getting pulled over by the police can be nerve-wracking! So, for a new driver, it’s a very anxious situation! Part of being a safe and responsible driver is learning about all the possibilities of driving, including being pulled over by a police officer. Even if your teen is a safe driver, they will likely make a mistake which results in getting pulled over; being properly prepared can make the situation better for everyone.

Remind Your Teen About Responsibilities of Driving

Before your teen begins driving, explain that they are responsible for the vehicle they drive. That means their vehicle registration should be current, they should be driving within the parameters of their license, and they should know the rules of the road. By the time your teen takes their drivers test, you should feel confident that they are prepared to drive safely on their own

Teen Drivers Must Be Alert and Scanning

First, new drivers should know that they are supposed to be alert and scanning. That means if a police car is behind them with only their lights on, they should see the car, process the situation and know they need to respond. Police typically do not put the siren on to pull over a car, so drivers must be watching. This is one reason why I encourage parents to ask the question, “What’s the color of the car behind you?” This question gets new drivers used to checking their rearview mirror frequently. 

What To Do If You’re Pulled Over By the Police

Here’s what I teach my students to do when pulled over by the police:

• Put on turn signal (this helps the officer know that you see them and know to pull over)

• Safely pull over to the right side of the road (stopping on the left side of the road is dangerous for the driver, the officer, and other drivers) or pull into a parking lot or side street nearby

• Put the car in park and put on parking brake

• Roll down both windows (you don’t always know what side the officer will come to)

• Turn off the engine

• Keep your seatbelt on

• Keep your hands on the steering wheel at 9 and 3

• Wait for instructions from the police officer

• When an officer asks for your license and registration, before reaching for it, say, “It’s in my glove box/wallet, can I get it?” so that the officer knows what you are reaching for

For a more detailed description of what to do at a traffic stop, please read through the PA Driver’s Manual. Above all, I coach my students to be respectful and remain calm.

How a New Teen Driver Should Handle a Traffic Stop

Traffic stops can be very dangerous for police officers. Explain to your teenager that the police officer doesn’t know what is going on in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop; they don’t know if the driver is just distracted and speeding or if they are fleeing a crime. All drivers, including new teen drivers, have a responsibility to create an environment that is as safe as possible, and it’s the driver’s responsibility to earn the trust and respect of the officer. 

It’s also important for new drivers to remember that they may not know why an officer is pulling them over. Being stopped doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting a ticket - you may receive a warning instead. Stay calm, listen to the officer, and don’t assume you need to defend yourself or argue. 

Drivers should always know where their license, registration, and insurance are in the vehicle, but they should wait to get those items until the officer asks for them. Even then, they should first tell the officer where the documents are before retrieving them. Until then, it’s best to keep both hands on the steering wheel in plain sight. Have your teen practice this with you so they are comfortable with the process.

If your teen does get a citation, they will have to sign saying they received it. Explain that this is not an admission of guilt, just that they were the one to receive the citation. If they do receive a citation and disagree with it, the traffic stop is not the place to make their case. Reinforce that they need to be polite and respectful to the officer; they will have the opportunity to present their arguments at a court hearing later on.

Coaching Your New Teen Driver

Parents should encourage an open dialogue about driving, including traffic stops and citations. Remind your teen that being pulled over isn’t the end of the world, but it should be a learning lesson. If it does happen, you may want to have a few more lessons with them to review their safe driving skills, and you may consider setting stricter boundaries for a period of time.

There’s a lot to cover when you’re teaching your teen to drive. But you’re not alone! In my new online resource, The Parent’s Guide to Teen Driving, In short videos (most are 30 seconds to 3 minutes) I cover the topics that you should be reviewing with your teens (such as being pulled over) and the best tips and strategies for how to communicate effectively with your teens while teaching them. Learn more about the course today.