Traffic Stop Protocol

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

We have all had that dreaded feeling when you see the police cruiser sitting on the side of the road, and you look down at the speedometer and realize, Oops. Although many of us have been pulled over at some point, many have not. So, what should you do if the police stop you?

1. Dont panic.  
Some drivers abruptly stop in the middle of the road, creating a traffic hazard. Others may focus on their rearview mirror and forget to pay attention to the traffic in front of them.

2. Move to the right.  
Georgia law requires drivers to yield to the right when being approached from the rear by an emergency vehicle. This may require you to change a few lanes prior to moving to the shoulder of the roadway. Officers understand this may take a little time due to traffic congestion. Be mindful to use your turn signal to alert other motorists and the officer of your intent to change lanes. In some cases, it may be coincidental that an officer has pulled onto the road with emergency equipment activated. They may just need to go around you while responding to a call for service.

3. Look for a safe place to stop.
Take a moment to think of your safety, as well as the officers, when being stopped. Officers are trained to recognize when someone is being elusive. Interstates or roadways that are particularly dangerous may require you to move to a safer location. Rural and poorly lit areas may also be of concern. If youre unsure what to do, or have concerns about the legitimacy of the traffic stop, turn on your hazard lights, and signal to the officer while obeying all traffic laws.

4. Contact with the officer
Once youve come to a complete stop, place your vehicle in park, and roll your drivers side window down. Keep your hands on your steering wheel, and wait for the officer to approach.

During the course of the stop, the officer will notify dispatch of their location and the description of the vehicle and occupants. The officer will then approach your vehicle from either side based on road and safety conditions.

The officer should identify themselves and inform you of the reason for the stop. He/she will then ask for your drivers license and/or insurance information. You should let the officer know where the documents are located prior to reaching for them. If the documents are in an area where a firearm is located, inform the officer that you have a firearm, and wait for instructions.

5. Issuance of a citation or warning
The officer may return to their patrol car to check the status of the license and to issue a written citation or warning. If the officer issues a traffic citation, the driver is required, by state law, to sign the citation. Signing the citation is not an admission of guilt or innocence, only that the driver understands the nature of the offense and the court date should the driver wish to contest the citation. If the driver refuses to sign the citation, Georgia law allows the officer to make a custodial arrest.

It is our goal that every traffic stop be conducted in a safe, professional, and informative manner.  Should you have a concern about a traffic stop, or the conduct of the officer, you may request a supervisor to come to the scene. Each incident is documented with a recording device for the safety and integrity of all parties involved. We ask for your help in keeping our roadways safe by not driving while distracted or impaired.