There’s nothing worse then than getting pulled over by the police. Unfortunately, it’s going to happen to a lot of us. The thing is…Do you know to do, or more importantly, do you know what NOT to do should you get pulled over Take a few minutes to read over what the experts say you should do if you happened to find yourself stopped by the law.
If you’re stopped by the police:
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- You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a US citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports as well as for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers. For more specific guidance about how to deal with immigration-related questions, see our immigrants’ rights section.)
- You only have to identify yourself if you are arrested.
- Stay calm: don’t run, argue, resist or obstruct the police. Keep your hands where police can see them.
- Ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, calmly and silently walk away.
- You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings.
If you’re stopped in your car
- Stop the car in a safe place as quickly as possible. Turn off the car, turn on the internal light, open the window partway, and place your hands on the wheel. If you are the passenger, put your hands on the dashboard.
- If asked, show police your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- If an officer or immigration agent asks to search your car, you can refuse. But if police see or have probably cause that your car contains evidence of a crime, they can search it without your consent.
- Both drivers and passengers have the right to remain silent. If you’re a passenger, you can also ask if you’re free to leave. If yes, you may silently leave.
If you’re asked about your immigration status
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you’re a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports, and for individuals on certain non-immigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)
- If you’re not a U.S. citizen and have valid immigration papers, you should show them if an immigration agent requests it.
- Do not lie about your citizenship status or provide fake documents.
If the police or immigration agents come to your home
- You don’t have to let them in unless they have a search warrant signed by a judge.
- Ask to see the warrant. It must have your address as the place to search or your name as the subject of an arrest warrant and be signed by a judge. Officers can only search the areas and for the items listed on the warrant. An arrest warrant allows police to enter the home of the person listed on the warrant if they believe the person is inside. A warrant of removal/deportation (ICE warrant) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.