The Fastest Ways to Be Arrested During Texas Traffic Stops

Texas makes it pretty obvious what you should and shouldn't do when those beautiful flashing lights pop up behind you after your dog threw up on the carpet and you're late for work. BUT, if you are on the fence about what cops want to see when they pull you over, let me clear the air.

Dos and Don'ts During Texas Traffic Stops

Congrats! You just got pulled over for speeding. Do you open your door to greet the officer or do you floor it the second he steps out of his vehicle? Well, Texas DPS has the answers for you.

First and most obvious, you should always slow down after a cop flashes their lights behind you and pull over the right side of whatever road you're on. If you are on the highway, you can always throw your hazards on and slowly exit at your nearest opportunity to find a safe side street to pull over.

You should never leave the engine on. Always turn the car off and keep your hazards on. Texas DPS even goes so far as to say you should engage your emergency break as well during traffic stops.

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Never drive away or leave your vehicle during a traffic stop until the officer tells you you are free to leave. You should also keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times so the cop can see you aren't up to any funny business.

Speaking of which, if asked to provide any paperwork, never reach into your glove compartment without notifying the cop that that's what you're doing.

No Really, I Mean It

To stress these steps even more so, you CAN be arrested for failure to immediately stop when pulled over.

REMEMBER: It is a crime to lie about your name or to give false info when asked by a cop. Lying to a cop during a traffic stop can result in a fines of up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail, and that's just the start.

Passengers may actually ask the cop if they are free to leave. If the situation escalates, you can't resist arrest, but you CAN tell the officer that you do not consent to any search.

If the Cop Went Overboard...

If you feel that you were wrongfully searched, arrested, or pulled over, never make things worse by being combative with the officer. Wait until things settle, whether you are back in your car or you are at the county jail, before contacting others (authorities, lawyers, or other family members) to assess the situation and see who's at fault.