What to Expect During a Frederick County Traffic Stop
You should expect an officer to turn on their lights and sirens when they want you to slow down and pull over. An officer may walk to your car window and ask to see your license and registration. They may then ask for insurance, but not always.
Speak with a knowledgeable attorney to learn more about what to expect during a Frederick County traffic stop. A Frederick County traffic attorney may be able to provide you with more information.
Importance of Having Car Insurance
Maryland requires car owners to have insurance. Not having car insurance is an offense that could result in jail time. A driver could receive a ticket that says they must appear in court, and as such, they must appear and subsequently run the risk of spending jail time. There is also a potential $1000 fine.
What to do When a Person Sees/Hears Sirens
Drivers should be very mindful of their surroundings. When a person sees or hears police sirens, they should turn on their hazard lights, slow down, and use a turn signal to indicate they are attempting to comply. Drivers should pull over to the side of the road in a safe position that does not endanger themselves, other drivers on the road, or the police officer.
Before the officer arrives, a person should attempt to retrieve a license and registration. However, it is important not to make any quick movements while an officer is walking up to the car. They should turn down their music if possible and clearly put the car in park. Turning off the car is a safe thing to do as well because it shows that the individual does not have the intention to flee the scene.
Mistakes to Avoid
A big mistake is continuing to drive and not stopping, or not indicating that they plan to pull over. A person should not panic, not be rude, disrespectful, or antagonize the police officer in any way.
Unmarked Vehicles and Safety Concerns
If a plainclothes police officer tries to pull a person over, then one thing that a person can do is call 911 to verify that is an officer. If it is late at night and the car is not marked, a person can call the police and have someone verify that a real police officer is following them.
If a person were to ever feel unsafe during a traffic stop, they should call 911. They could give the operator their own information and any information they can about the vehicle and the location. An operator could walk a person through the situation and they should be able to confirm that an officer is on that route and pulling a driver over for a stop.
Consult with a Frederick County Traffic Attorney
Knowing what to expect during a Frederick County traffic stop could allow you to remain calm and avoid making the situation worse. If you were charged with a moving violation or a driving-related criminal offense, consult with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible.