Red Flags Cops Look For When They Pull You Over

By Kirsty 1 year ago

1. You Ignore Their Attempts To Pull You Over!

image source: reddit.com
As soon as those sirens go on and those overhead lights appear, you need to find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible. Nobody can claim they 'didn't notice' a cop behind them with all of that blaring, so it's a red flag if you don't pull over if you have many chances to do so.

2. And Then You Carry On Driving For A Long Time

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It might not be safe to pull over straight away - or maybe not even within 5 minutes if it's busy - but if you're continuing to drive along for an hour, it's obviously suspicious. We don't mean a high speed car chase, but if you don't pull over before you arrive back home when your home is 50 miles away, it doesn't look good.

3. Movement Inside The Car: Is There Loads Of Activity?

image source: reddit.com
We don't mean young children bouncing around in the back seat either - if a cop can see a car with a few adults in it who seem to be moving around a lot, crouching down or turning around, it can indicate they may be trying to get to a concealed weapon, or hide something like drugs under the seats.

4. A License Plate That's Clean Or Dirty - When The Rest Of The Car Isn't!

image source: reddit.com
If you have a dirty car because you always drive it on the freeway for hours and never get to the car wash, your license plate is going to be just as dirty. Likewise, if you clean your car religiously, your license plate is going to sparkle. So if a cop sees a dirty car with a crystal clear license plate, or a clean car with a dirty one, it's - you guessed it - suspicious.

5. Plate Screws That Have Seen Better Days

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Do your license plate screws look like they have nicks in them, or scratches on them? This is a sign the plates have been changed recently - and in a hurry. You'd probably scratch them if you were fiddling around switching plates. A cop will notice that and want to see why!

6. The Whole Cast Of Bug's Life On Your Rear Plate

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We all know the battle of getting our car splattered with bugs when we're driving, particularly on the freeway, but this will only usually happen to the front of your car, of course. Which means a cop is going to wonder why you have a bug-splattered license plate... on your rear bumper!

7. Registration Stickers That Have Expired

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New validation stickers on your car are an important way to let the cops know (or anyone else looking if they're interested in that sort of thing) that your license is still in date and valid. So if they're seeing a sticker on your car that's obviously expired, they're going to want to speak to you about that!

8. Or Missing Altogether!

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Worse, you might not have a sticker altogether! Innocently, you could just not have remembered to stick on a new one, but in most cases this can indicate to the cops you're doing something illegal, the car might be stolen or it's all just a bit suspicious and let's pull over to talk about it...

9. Your Windows Are Very, Very Tinted

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Tinted windows can be really practical for keeping the sun out, creating privacy and - let's face it - looking cool. But if you have every single window tinted - and very, very tinted at that - it could be a red flag for a cop to pull you over because they might be worried about visibility and/or illegal activity in the car.

10. You Don't Shift Into Park When You Pull Over

image source: reddit.com
After you've pulled over to a stop, you're expected to shift into park and wait for the cop to come and speak to you. So anyone who doesn't put their car into park is an issue for a cop approaching your vehicle. If they can still see your brake lights on because your foot is still on the pedal, it could suggest that you're waiting to zoom off!

11. Or, The Lights Keep Shifting Between Park And Brake

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It's one thing to sit with your foot on the brake pedal because you're an innocent person just panicking about being pulled over - and you forgot to shift into parked. But if you're switching between parked and brake lights nervously so the cop can only see flashing lights like it's the 4th of July, it's a sign you might panic so much you drive off.

12. Your Trunk Lid Is Unlocked, Or Your Tailgate Is Flapping Loose!

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This isn't just about a cop pulling you over to tell you that your trunk needs securing down so you can go on your merry way - they'll flag this up (the red kind specifically) because a trunk or tailgate that's ready to be opened quickly can be a sign they might ambush the cop!

13. Avoiding Eye Contact - Even If You're Just Shy

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We all know that if someone is avoiding eye contact with you it looks like they're hiding something - well this is amped up to 11 when it comes to not looking a cop directly in the eye. If you're not making eye contact when they reach the car, they're going to be wondering why.

14. Other People In The Car Don't Make Eye Contact - Even If You Do

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You might open the door with direct eye contact and a huge smile on your face, but if you've got a passenger or two who are facing forward and never meeting the cop's eye, this is bad news. They're going to take this as suspicious activity from other people in the car.

15. The Seats Or Floor Of Your Car Are A Trash Heap!

image source: reddit.com
Sure, you might have just had a hectic family day at the beach so you have toys and towels all over the place, but all a cop is going to be thinking is that all these things could conceal a weapon - especially if you have things like newspapers on the floor of your vehicle.

16. Liquid Stains On The Floor Or Seats

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You might have spilled your Starbucks coffee whilst trying to drive one handed - we've all done it - but if a cop sees a liquid spill anywhere with no sign of bottles or cups, they might be suspicious of drink-driving. People drinking will often quickly try to hide the bottles (like under the seat or in the glove compartment) and spill the drink as they go!

17. "I Don't Know Where My Registration Papers Are, Officer!"

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This isn't going to go down very well! If a cop pulls over a driver who can't seem to find their license, insurance or registration papers in the car and flapping around trying to find them, this is going to raise a red flag - most of the time, people who have stolen a vehicle won't have these papers to hand!

18. They See Your License In Your Wallet Before You Do

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The cop has asked to see your license and is now watching you rifle through your wallet - only to see you miss it about ten times and carry on looking for it. They saw it ten minutes ago, why didn't you? Because you're probably drunk - or at least that's what the cop will think if you're acting this way.

19. You Don't Know Your Social Security Number

image source: reddit.com
A cop will always request some form of identification when they pull you over, which most often is going to be your license, but you might not always have that on you - it can happen! They'll expect your SSN and date of birth as a backup - and if you can't give your SSN, they'll be on alert!

20. Your Ability To Drive Normally!

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Cops are obviously going to be paying attention to how you're driving - even if that's not the reason they're pulling you over in the first place, if they suddenly see that you're driving wonky, swerving or being reckless when you go to pull over, they might flag this up as possible influence of alcohol.

21. Physical Symptoms: Flushed Cheeks, Watery Eyes

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Some people may just have these as permanent fixtures - just the way you look, can't be helped. But a cop is going to flag it as suspicious because - as we all know - alcohol can make you flushed and give you bloodshot eyes. Or, you may have bloodshot and watery eyes driving tired, or under the influence of something else!

22. Does Your Car Stink?

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When the cop gets close to your vehicle, one of the first things they're going to want to check is if they can smell anything - specifically, a strong smell of booze, or any other suspicious smells like weed. Anything that might alert them to you being under the influence of something - not just your bad air freshener.

23. How You're Talking

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They're going to want to check that you're coherent, so in asking you questions, they're not only interested in your replies - but
how
you're replying. Slurred speech, for one, is going to tell them that you might be drunk or you might even be tired or have a medical condition.

24. Are You Sweating?

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A lot of people would be if they were pulled over by the cops and wondering what they've done wrong - or, it might be a particularly hot day - but cops are going to look for signs of obvious sweating on your skin, as this can be a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

25. You Take Too Long To Respond To Questions

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Always a good idea to think before you speak, of course, and you don't want to start rambling to a cop who's pulled you over. But if they ask you simple questions and you're taking a good long while to respond - even if you answer correctly - they could flag this up as being under the influence.

26. Your Car Doesn't Look In Great Shape!

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Not only is driving with a damaged vehicle dangerous for you and others when it's on the road, they might also want to know why it's been damaged. Vehicles might have been damaged if they're stolen, for example, if you've run into some bumps trying to drive away quickly (and recklessly!).

27. You're Super Defensive

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This can happen for two reasons - you know you've done something wrong so you're acting defensive as a reflex. Or, you know you've done nothing wrong and you're annoyed about it! Either way, if you start becoming defensive in an aggressive or OTT way, the cop isn't going to like that.

28. How You Answer 'Have You Been Drinking Or Taken Drugs?'

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This is obviously one of the big questions if they suspect that you have! How you answer this is going to be either a red flag or a green one! You always have the right to say 'I have nothing to say' along the legal side of things, but all that's saying is that you have but you want a lawyer.

29. How Many Passengers Do You Have In The Car?

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There's nothing wrong being the designated driver during a weekend trip away with a bunch of mates crammed into your vehicle, but the more people, the more suspicious. Especially, as we mentioned above, if they're all avoiding eye contact apart from you when the cop comes to speak to you!

30. They Can See Your Head Turning This Way And That

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If they've stopped you and they can see you through the window, they'd expect you to just be sat there, parked safely, until they reach you. If you've stopped and then you're suddenly turning your head left to right, looking in all your mirrors, it only looks like suspicious and frantic behavior.

31. And Now... Secrets Cops Aren't Telling You About How To Avoid A Speeding Ticket! You Can Actually Drive A Tiny Bit Over The Limit

image source: reddit.com
Getting that speedometer bang on the speed limit is quite a talent - and you don't want to be watching it like a hawk instead of having your eyes on the road. Most of us go a couple miles an hour over the speed limit, but you don't have to worry - apparently this is fine, even if the cops know you're doing it!

32. But If You Get Pulled Over For Something Else Too? You'll Get A Ticket

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If a cop pulls you over for another reason, like one of your blinkers isn't working or something looks suspicious about your car - and
then
they know you've been going a little over the speed limit, too, you'll likely get a ticket. You can usually get away with a few miles an hour over only if this is the only thing you're doing!

33. Slowing Down In School Or Residential Areas Isn't Optional

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This might sound obvious, but it's amazing how many of us might do a little over the speed limit in these areas, ignoring the signs and thinking the roads look clear anywhere. But these areas are more likely being watched religiously by cops, so drive exactly at the sign speed limit!

34. You Can Actually Get Apps To Give You A Heads Up About Speed Cameras

image source: wikipedia.org
A lot of GPS systems will have this feature, but you might not be using a GPS all the time. Did you know you can get apps that actually alert you when a speed camera is in the area? They can be pesky and hidden, after all. This is particularly helpful in a new area if you don't know where to look for them!

35. Getting Pulled Over In Your Luxury Car? The Cop Just Wants To Have A Nosy

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While doing a few miles an hour over the speed limit in an everyday car won't get you pulled over, it might in a luxury vehicle like an expensive sports car. And the reason for that? A lot of the time, cops actually want an excuse just to have a look inside your expensive car! I mean, who wouldn't?

36. Your Old Car Could Draw As Much Attention As A Flashy Sports Car!

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But not because the cops are interested in having a look inside for this one! Old cars which are on their last legs (or wheels) will draw a lot of attention from cops because it could be a danger on the road depending on how it's looking - if it's making a loud noise, trailing smoke or anything on it isn't working, they're going to pull you over.

37. Still Got A Baby Face? That's Bad Luck

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If you're 30 years old and always told you still have the face of a teenager, this isn't the best news for when you're driving. Cops like to pull people over who look very, very young - because they think of young drivers as inexperienced, and like to jump on any opportunity to tell you how to drive better if you're speeding!

38. They Know You're Not Wearing A Seatbelt

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The question is: why wouldn't you be wearing one anyway? But if you happen not to be - maybe you thought just driving down the road wasn't long enough to bother clipping it in - the cops can see that there's no strap over your left shoulder. And they'll pull you over for it.

39. Speeding + Smartphone = Consequences

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This goes without saying, as it's dangerous driving, but even if you were going a couple miles an hour over the speed limit and happen to pick up your smartphone to quickly move it on the passenger seat, this is enough for a passing cop to pull you over and deal the consequences.

40. Going Too Slow Is Just As Bad As Going Too Fast

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Driving too slow usually means you're distracted, like looking at your phone, talking to someone or just not paying attention. And cops - understandably - don't like that. They'll flag down anyone who's driving too slow to find out what's going on. So don't think just because you're not speeding, you're fine!

41. If Your Registration Has Expired, Don't Take Chances!

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If your car's registration has expired, you shouldn't be driving anyway - but if you're risking it for whatever reason, you best hope you drive like the most sensible driver in the world. Because if you get flagged for something silly, like using a hands-free device, you're going to get a ticket.

42. Being Pulled Over Doesn't Mean You're Definitely Going To Get A Ticket!

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Seeing those flashing lights behind you and pulling over to a stop doesn't mean the cop is writing out the ticket before they even get to your car. There's still hope! And that hope depends on you being polite. Think of it as that first impression you make in an interview. You have under a minute to prove you're a polite, sensible citizen that just made a mistake.

43. Getting A Ticket Might Depend On The Color Of Your Car!

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We don't mean cops have a vendetta against any car that isn't black, but the color of your car is going to make a huge difference in getting noticed. Speeding in a yellow car in a sea of grey is going to make you easier to spot. Speeding in a black car might easily go unnoticed.

44. Check Your Calendars: Last Week Of The Month Is A Bad Time For Speeding

image source: reddit.com
Traffic cops have a quota to meet like anybody else - which means if you're choosing to accidentally speed any time of the month, it best not be the last week! This is because cops are reminded of a quota to fill before the month is out - so they'll be more likely to issue 'catch up' tickets during that final week!

45. Be A Driving Sheep

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We don't mean go 50 miles an hour over the speed limit just because everyone else is, but it pays to look at what everyone else is doing around you. A freeway full of slow drivers while you're in the fast lane is going to flag you up to cops. But if everyone else is going fast, you could more easily get away with going a little bit faster yourself.

46. The Waze App Can Be Your BFF For Speed Traps

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No matter how much you know about an area and where the speed cameras are, there's always potential for hidden police cars checking speed, or any other speed trap that wasn't there before. The app Waze can actually help you out by flagging these up ahead of time!

47. Look Out For Other Cars Flashing You!

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It's always annoying, but there's always a reason for it, too - they could actually be trying to help you out. Cars coming towards you from the opposite direction that are flashing you may be warning you of a speed camera or cop car up ahead, so they could be doing you a solid!

48. Don't Get Clever With The 'Stop' On A Stop Sign

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It's hard not to do a slow crawl and then carry on at a stop sign if you can definitely see that there's nothing around you, but stop means stop. You need to come to a full stop and then move on. If you don't, this is only going to increase the risk of being spotted by a nearby cop car!

49. You Can Always Appeal A Ticket

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Most drivers will spend a lot of time and energy getting angry and ranting about the speed ticket they've got, that they'll probably forget they can actually appeal the ticket. If you know you were in the right and you want to argue it, always look into appealing it!

50. If You're Going To Appeal, Write Down Everything Immediately!

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Don't risk forgetting all the minor details, which can easily be done when you're angry at a traffic cop! Write down everything you remember straight away, like the weather, the speed you were going and what happened. You can then take this to use at your appeal!

51. When a ticket doesn't cut it, the police might arrest you -
Outstanding court orders

Image source: Reddit
If a driver fails to appear in court for previous traffic violations or other legal matters, such as probation violations or failure to comply with court orders, the police may arrest them to ensure compliance with legal obligations and appearance in court.

52. Raising suspicion resulting in cause for search

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If the police have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that the driver is in possession of illegal substances, weapons, or evidence of criminal activity, they may arrest the driver to conduct a thorough search of their person, vehicle, or belongings.

53. Driving without a license is asking for it!

 
Image source: NBC News
Operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license or with a suspended or revoked license is a serious offense. If the driver is unable to provide a valid driver's license or is found to be driving without proper documentation, the police may arrest them for violating traffic laws.

54. Using false identification is asking for trouble

Image source: Moore Law
Providing false or fraudulent identification to law enforcement officers during a traffic stop is illegal and can lead to arrest. If the driver presents false identification or provides misleading information, they may be arrested for providing false information to law enforcement.

55. DON'T ty and resist arrest

Image source: Quora
If the driver resists arrest or attempts to flee from the scene of the traffic stop, law enforcement officers may use necessary force to apprehend them and maintain public safety. Resisting arrest or obstructing justice can result in additional charges and legal consequences.

56. If you're violating conditions of parole

Image source: Reddit
If the driver is on probation or on parole and violates the conditions of their release, such as by committing another offense or violating the terms of their supervision, the police may arrest them for violating the terms of their probation or parole.

57. A threat to public safety

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If the driver's actions pose an immediate threat to public safety, such as driving recklessly, exhibiting signs of impairment, or engaging in aggressive behavior, the police may arrest them to prevent harm to themselves or to protect others on the road.

58. You've committed offenses in other States

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If the traffic stop reveals that the driver is wanted for offenses which have been committed in another jurisdiction or state, such as outstanding warrants or charges, law enforcement officers may arrest them based on the warrants issued by other jurisdictions.

59. Being aggressive

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If the driver becomes physically aggressive or assaults law enforcement officers during the traffic stop, the police may arrest them for assault on a law enforcement officer or related charges to ensure the safety and security of all individuals involved.

60. Carrying out an investigation of additional crimes

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If the traffic stop leads to the discovery of evidence or information related to other criminal activities, such as possession of stolen property, involvement in fraud, or suspicion of involvement in other crimes, law enforcement officers may arrest the driver for those offenses in addition to any traffic violations observed.

61. If there's an outstanding warrant

Image source: Business Insider
If a driver has outstanding warrants for their arrest, it means that there are pending legal matters or charges against them. The police have a duty to execute these warrants when they encounter the individual, regardless of the circumstances of the traffic stop.

62. Very serious violations

Image source: ACLU
Serious traffic violations such as driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license pose significant risks to public safety. In such cases, the immediate removal of the driver from the road may be necessary to prevent accidents or harm to others.

63. Suspicion of criminal activity

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If the police have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe that the driver is involved in criminal activity beyond the scope of a traffic violation, they may need to conduct further investigation. This could involve searching the vehicle, questioning the driver, or making an arrest if necessary.

 64. Not complying with the officer's request

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Drivers are expected to comply with lawful orders and instructions given by law enforcement officers during a traffic stop. If a driver refuses to comply, becomes belligerent, or exhibits aggressive behavior, the situation can escalate, leading to the driver's arrest to maintain public safety and order.

 65. Concerns of safety to everyone

Image source: Boing Boing
If the officer believes that the driver poses a threat to themselves or others, or if there are suspicions of weapons or contraband in the vehicle, they may need to take immediate action to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This may involve detaining the driver or conducting a search of the vehicle.

66. Fleeing the scene is the utmost worst decision

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Attempting to flee the scene of a traffic stop is a serious offense and can lead to additional charges. Law enforcement officers are authorized to pursue and apprehend individuals who attempt to evade arrest or escape from the scene of a traffic stop.

67. If there are repeat offenses

Image source: Business Insider
If a driver has a history of repeated traffic violations or prior arrests, it may indicate a pattern of disregard for traffic laws or a propensity for criminal behavior. In such cases, law enforcement officers may choose to arrest the driver as a means of addressing ongoing issues and ensuring compliance with the law.

68. Other legal or criminal issues

Image source: NYC News
If the police discover other legal issues or criminal offenses during the traffic stop, such as possession of illegal substances or stolen property, they may need to take appropriate action, including making an arrest based on those findings.

69. Failure to provide ID and vehicle documents

Image source: NBC News
Providing valid identification and proof of insurance is a legal requirement during a traffic stop. If a driver fails to provide the necessary documentation when requested by the officer, they may face arrest for failure to comply with lawful orders.

70. A judgement call

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Ultimately, the decision to arrest someone during a traffic stop is at the discretion of the police officer based on their assessment of the situation, the severity of the offense, and any other relevant factors present during the encounter.  The safety of everyone must be taken into account.

71. Violation of court orders

Image source: Autoblog
If a driver has violated a court-issued restraining order, protective order, or injunction, it indicates non-compliance with legal directives designed to protect individuals from harm or harassment. Law enforcement may arrest the driver to ensure compliance with court orders and to prevent further violations.

72. Felony offenses, such as theft

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Suspected involvement in felony offenses such as theft, burglary, or assault indicates serious criminal behavior that poses a significant threat to public safety. In such cases, law enforcement officers may arrest the driver based on probable cause to believe they have committed a felony offense.

73. Interfering with police investigations

Image source: Reddit
Interfering with police duties or obstructing law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties undermines the authority and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies. Drivers who interfere with police investigations, resist lawful orders, or obstruct justice may face arrest for obstruction of justice or related charges.

74. Violating immigration laws

Image source: Self Lawyer
Suspected violations of immigration laws, such as illegal entry into the country or overstaying a visa, fall under federal jurisdiction and may result in arrest by law enforcement officers. Immigration violations are serious offenses that can have legal consequences, including arrest, detention, and deportation.

75. Are you in a stolen vehicle?

Image source: Daily Express
If the police run a check on your vehicle during a traffic stop and find that it has been reported stolen, they may suspect your involvement in the theft. While you may not be the actual thief, the police will likely need to detain you to investigate further and determine your connection to the stolen vehicle.

76. After arrest, the police may let you go if... It's a minor traffic violation

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If you committed a minor traffic violation, such as a broken taillight or failure to signal, and you have a clean driving record, the officer may choose to release you with a warning or issue a citation without the need for further detention.  You can breathe a sigh of relief!

77. You have verified your identity

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Sometimes, police officers may detain individuals briefly to verify their identity, especially if there are discrepancies in the information provided or suspicions of identity theft. Once your identity is confirmed, they will usually release you and you won't hear from them again regarding this issue.

78.  You've shown your documents

Image source: Quora
If you've been pulled over due to issues with your vehicle registration, insurance, or driver's license, the officer may detain you temporarily to allow you to present valid documentation. Once the documents are verified, you may be released and you'll feel very relieved.

79. A case of mistaken identity

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r
In cases where you've been mistakenly identified as a suspect or involved in a crime, the police may detain you briefly to clarify the situation. If they determine that you are not the individual they are looking for, they will release you.  You may or may not receive an apology.

80. There's no real cause for arrest

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If the police do not have sufficient evidence or probable cause to arrest you for a crime or traffic violation, they may choose to release you rather than pursue further action.  They can sometimes be too quick to judge and this can be quite frightening for the driver.

81. It's protocol to take you in

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In some jurisdictions, officers may detain individuals briefly during a traffic stop as part of standard procedure to ensure safety and compliance with the law. Once the stop is completed and no further issues are identified, they will release you with no further communication.

82. If you cooperate

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If you cooperate with the officer, remain calm, and comply with their instructions during the traffic stop, they may choose to release you without further action, especially if the violation is minor.  It's when you say "no comment" that there could be a different outcome.

83. You've benefited from a warning

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In cases where the officer believes that you may benefit from education or a verbal warning rather than formal enforcement action, they may choose to release you with advice or instructions to prevent future violations.  Hopefully, you've learned your lesson.

84. At the discretion of the officer

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Police officers often have discretion in how they handle traffic stops and minor infractions. Depending on the circumstances and their assessment of the situation, they may decide that releasing you without further action is the appropriate course of action.

85. There's a lack of evidence

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If there is insufficient evidence to support further detention or arrest, and there are no witnesses or corroborating information to substantiate the officer's suspicions, they may come to the conclusion that they will release you without pursuing any charges.

86. They take the community policing approach

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e source: The Observer
Some police departments emphasize community policing, which focuses on building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. In line with this approach, officers may opt to release individuals during minor traffic stops to maintain trust and goodwill within the community.

87. There's a traffic stop backup

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If the officer initiated the traffic stop as a precautionary measure or for routine checks, and no issues or violations are discovered during the stop, they may release you without the need for further action.  They may not have time to delve further into the issue due to a stop backup.

88.  There's an emergency situation

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In certain cases, such as medical emergencies involving the driver or passengers, the officer may expedite the traffic stop process to allow the individuals involved to seek medical attention promptly. Once the emergency is addressed, they may release you.

89. Faulty technology or equipment

Image source: Daily Mail
If issues arise with the accuracy of the equipment or technology used during the traffic stop, such as a malfunctioning breathalyzer or radar gun, the officer in charge may choose to release you due to the inability to obtain accurate information or evidence.

90. When there's no threat to the public

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If the officer determines that releasing you poses no significant risk to public safety or law enforcement efforts, they may opt to let you go without further detention or arrest.  Officers have almost a sixth sense, as well as experience, to come to this decision.

91. Jurisdictional considerations

Image source: Wikipedia
In cases where the violation falls under the jurisdiction of another law enforcement agency or if the offense occurred outside the officer's jurisdiction, this could be a reason why they may release you and refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.

92. If you agree to the fine or court hearing

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If you voluntarily agree to address any outstanding issues, such as paying fines, attending court hearings, or resolving administrative matters related to the traffic stop, the officer may release you with instructions on how to proceed.  It will not be necessary to keep you behind bars.

93. You're exonerated of suspicion

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ource: Business Insider
If the officer's initial suspicions or their concerns are alleviated through further investigation or conversation during the traffic stop, they may determine that there is no basis for further detention or arrest and choose to release you without charge.

94. You are of good standing in the community

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If you have never been arrested before and have a history of good behavior, cooperation with law enforcement, and positive standing within the community, the officer may take these factors into consideration and release you with a warning or minimal consequences.

95. They have other priorities

Image source: The Guardian
In situations where the police officer is called to respond to more urgent matters or higher-priority calls, they may expedite the traffic stop process and release you to attend to other duties or emergencies.  This is a case of luck being on your side!

96. Reasons drivers give for speeding - the police have heard it all before! - Faulty speedometer

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Drivers sometimes blame faulty equipment or mechanical issues with their vehicle for unintentionally speeding. They may argue that their speedometer was inaccurate or malfunctioning, leading them to exceed the speed limit unknowingly.  Nice try but they don't buy it!

97. It's an emergency

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Drivers sometimes claim they were speeding due to an emergency, such as a medical crisis, car trouble, or the need to assist someone in distress. While emergencies can justify speeding in some cases, officers still need to verify the validity of the situation.

98. Late for an appointment

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Many drivers claim they were running late for work, appointments, important meetings, or other unmissable commitments, leading them to exceed the speed limit in an attempt to reach their destination on time.  Trouble is, the majority of them can't back it up!

99. Driving downhill made the car go 30 mph faster!

Image source: Reddi
t
It's understandable that you may need to gently put the brake on your vehicle when you are travelling downhill but some drivers, when stopped, say they are worried to brake in case the car skids so they think it's safer to drive at twice the legal speed!

100. Dinner is getting cold

Image source: LooseLines
This one's a hoot.  A guy in the States apparently told police officers, when he was stopped for speeding in a built up area,, that he had to get home as soon as possible because his dinner was already on the table and his wife would give it to the dog if he was late!

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