Dumpster Diving/Regular Life Tips: getting pulled over
When driving around at night, cops will enter in your information BEFORE pulling you over.
If you are being tail-gated on an empty road at night (or whenever) SLOW DOWN. Go 20 mph below the speed limit if it’s safe to.
Regular people will get annoyed and go around you.
Cops will continue to tail-gate you.
Once you realize you are being followed by a cop, follow traffic laws meticulously. Be annoying about it.
When asked “are you aware of how fast you were going” tell them “yes”. Don’t give them a number just say yes.
Also “Do you know why I pulled you over” is a trap. Any guess is an admission of guilt. Just say no and deny everything.
From the ACLU website (save this link)
If you are stopped for questioning, DO...
DO ask “Am I free to go?” If they say ‘yes,’ leave calmly. If they say ‘no,’ DO ask to know why by saying, “Can you tell me why you are stopping me?”
DO exercise your right to remain silent. Say “I want to remain silent.” You cannot be arrested or detained for refusing to answer questions. But it can look suspicious to the police if you answer questions and then suddenly stop. Make it your practice to always remain silent.
DO make sure the officer knows you do not agree to be searched (they might search you anyway, but make your opposition known). Say “I do not consent to a search.”
DO, if you are being given a ticket, give your name and birth date, and sign the ticket. If you don’t, you may be arrested.
If you are stopped for questioning, DON’T...
DON’T disrespect a police officer. Although you have a constitutional right to do so, it could lead to your arrest.
DON’T run away or physically resist a “pat-down” or search. Say “I do not consent to a sea rch.”
DON’T lie. Tell the police you don’t want to talk to them. Say “I want to remain silent.”
DON’T forget that police are legally allowed to lie, intimidate, and bluff.
DON’T discuss your citizenship or immigration status with anyone other than your lawyer.
If you are stopped in your car, DO...
DO show your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked, if you were driving.
DO keep your hands on the wheel and let the officer know what you are doing (“I’m going to reach for my registration now.”).
DO say “I do not consent to a search.”
DO sign your ticket if you are given one. Otherwise, you may be arrested.
DO take the DUI test, unless you are willing to risk your license being suspended.
DO keep your car interior clear of unnecessary objects. It may give the police reason to search the car.
DO ask if you can park your car in a safe place or have a licensed driver take it away, if you are arrested, to avoid towing or impoundment fees.
NOTE: An AB 60 license should be accepted by state and local law enforcement in California, the same as other state-issued IDs.
If you are stopped in your car, DON’T...
DON’T physically resist a search. Say “I do not consent to a search.”
DON’T refuse to sign a ticket. You can be arrested for it.
DON’T search for your license or registration until asked. It may look as if you are trying to hide something.
DON’T disrespect the officer. Although you have a constitutional right to do so, it could lead to your arrest.
DON’T attempt to bribe the police.
DON’T play music loudly when the police walk up to your car.
DON’T have any objects hanging from your rearview mirror. It may give police a reason to pull you over.
