The act of a driver being pulled over by an officer is referred to as “detention.” In this situation, although the driver has not been arrested, they are still not allowed to go.
Having said that, getting pulled over by a cop is sure to have happened in almost every driver’s life at least once.
This article clarifies the common reasons drivers are pulled over and some of the subtle legalities surrounding such stops.
Speeding
Speeding is by far the most frequent cause of traffic stops for vehicles. According to a survey of police officers across the nation, stopping speeding drivers seems to be their priority.
It’s crucial to remember that speed limits are regulations that have been carefully considered and created with your safety in mind, even when you’re in a rush.
Equipment Infringements
Police officers usually stop a driver when a window tint is excessively dark, a headlight is out, or their windshield is cracked, among various other reasons.
Police officers may quickly identify equipment infractions from a distance, making offenders obvious targets for penalties and tickets.
These infractions may also result in more penalties if your registration is out of date, you haven’t updated your license, or you’ve been drinking and driving.
Erratic Driving
Alcohol has a negative impact on your body, including impaired judgment and memory, decreased reaction times, and reduced motor coordination, all of which can affect your ability to drive. These can lead to unpredictable or unsafe driving, such as swerving and weaving between lanes (which is a legitimate reason to stop you).
Inappropriate Lane Changes
Police generally define an incorrect lane change as passing another car before you or changing lanes without looking. They do this because incorrect lane changes often impair drivers’ reaction times and frequently result in accidents.
The left lane must be used only for passing and not for cruising by. Failure to follow this will definitely attract the attention of the cops.
Failure to employ turn signals can also lead to a traffic stop, which can result in fines.
Expired Tags
An officer may pull you over even for the seemingly insignificant reason of an expired tag. Usually, a citation and fee would result from this kind of violation.
However, the police will start a drunk driving inquiry if, upon pulling you over for an expired tag, they have reason to believe you have been drinking and driving.
Using Your Phone While Driving
Cell phone use, whether for texting, calling, emailing, or using GPS, is another major factor contributing to drivers being stopped for traffic violations.
State laws differ, but using a cell phone while driving in any state is never a good idea. Police officers most frequently pull over drivers for texting and driving, as distracted driving usually has disastrous consequences.
Tailgating
Tailgating is another risky driving behavior that frequently draws the attention of law enforcement. When visibility is good and the roads are dry, apply the “three-second rule” as a general guideline.
Choose a fixed place on the road and ensure that the period between when the car (in front of you) passes it and when your vehicle passes it is at least three seconds apart.
An office may pull you over if you’ve been caught tailgating another driver.
Understand Your Rights
In any scenario, law enforcement officials must possess a legitimate suspicion that you engaged in any traffic infraction or illegal activity or that your vehicle broke a law. The police officer cannot just stop vehicles randomly or act on a gut feeling that something is wrong.
If you have been detained unlawfully, you can contact a qualified lawyer to discuss the facts of your case further and guide you accordingly.
