A Bail bondsman Explains What to do When You’re Pulled Over

It happens in seconds. First, you’re driving, only focused on your own business, and then you look up to see flashing lights trailing behind you. We get it. It’s a nerve-racking experience to be pulled over, but are you prepared? Do you know what you’re supposed to do if it happens? If not, don’t worry! An experienced bail bondsman in Tuscaloosa is here to explain what you should do the next time you’re stopped on the side of the road. 

 

1. Pull over to a safe area and prepare 

When you glance behind you and see flashing lights, take a breath. Put on your emergency lights and slow down to pull over onto the shoulder of a road or even a side street if you can. If you find yourself on a highway, try to stick as far to the right as you can, or if you’re on the left side, pull over in a median. Try to find a well-lit area and prepare yourself. Turn off the engine, roll the windows down, and get out your license and registration for when you’re approached. Turn on your dome light if you have one so the officer can see inside of your car better. If you are not able to get out the proper documents, just stop and wait for the officer to request them.  

 

2. Keep your hands on the wheel and stay calm 

It’s extremely important to stay calm and continue to take deep breaths. You must understand there’s nothing to be nervous about, and you may get off with a warning. You also should keep your hands planted on the wheel and only move them if you’re told to grab more papers. 

 

3. Try to remain polite 

We know, you just want to get to your destination, but you still have to stay polite with the officer, even if you feel like you’re not at fault. If you aren’t polite, you may appear suspicious to the officer and you may receive a more serious charge. You need to know your rights no matter what, so you should know you aren’t required to admit to anything. 

 

4. If you’re armed, tell them 

No matter what the weapon is, you should tell the officer if you’re armed in any way. If you happen to carry a gun, make sure you can show them your gun permit. Some states have “duty to inform” law, which means you are legally required to tell officers and any law enforcement that you are armed, but even if your state does not have that law, you should still inform law enforcement. The police also can ask for your weapon to hold onto it for the duration of the stop. 

 

No matter what the offense was, you should try to stay calm and cooperate however you can. We hope you found this information helpful, and if you or a loved one need bail bond services, contact Alabama Bail Bonds today! 

 

When you or your loved one winds up in jail, your first call should be to Alabama Bail Bonds. We understand how stressful it can be trying to navigate the bail bonds process. Count on a licensed bail bondsman to make the process as easy as possible for you. 

 

Alabama Bail Bonds of Tuscaloosa County 

Tuscaloosa, AL 

(205) 339-7109 

https://www.alabailbonds.com