I Got Pulled Over Last Night!

[@11C1P]

All I heard was Steve is dying & got arrested for it.

[@simonmultiverse6349]

11:04 People reaching for things in cars, police misinterpret it as reaching for a gun.... I've seen videos of exactly that happening. It's even worse because the cop specifically ASKS for your license, and you are keen to do what he says.... and you get shot in the head. *ADVICE TO EVERYONE* have your documents ALREADY VISIBLE ON THE DASHBOARD so you *DON'T* have to reach anywhere. Those documents should be already there from the moment you get in your car JUST IN CASE.

[@Raxiel497]

And he's going to get pulled over again in 2028

[@simonmultiverse6349]

*ALSO* when you stop, take your seat belt off because the cop may say "get out of the car"... so you reach for your seatbelt release.... and you get *SHOT IN THE HEAD* and the cop says, "I thought he was reaching for a weapon." Wind your window down BEFORE the cop gets to you. If he has to tap on the window and you reach for the button/handle to lower the window, the cop will see your hand move .. *BANG* ... oh dear, I thought he was reaching for a gun. Another one bites the dust.

[@QuestionEverything-qp6kw]

@@simonmultiverse6349 🤣🤣🤣

[@northdetroit7994]

@@simonmultiverse6349 Take your seatbelt off so you can get a ticket for that, too. There, fixed it fo you.

[@Justin-xj3gd]

I used to have a job as a bartender and would get out around 4 a.m. and drove an old jeep wrangler at the time. An average of 3 times a month I was getting pulled over for about 4 months in a row. This was before they could pull you over for anything in Michigan and they would use a made up reason like a taillight out that was mysteriously back on or swerving. Around half of the time they would want me to submit to roadside tests or following light with my eyes and I felt a duty to comply even though I was always completely sober. Then I got sick of it one night and used creative language to tell them how I felt and called them liars, and followed it up with a complaint. Was only pulled over one more time in the next couple months and repeated telling them how i felt along with another complaint and they completely stopped. So I agree for the most part, but there is a line and changed tactics when I felt the line was breached. One of the times they gave me a ticket for speeding for 85 in a 70 using "pacing" to determine my speed and I went to court and told the judge that my vehicle couldn't reach those speeds along with a video showing me topping out at 76 on the expressway with the pedal floored and she dressed the officer down.

[@syndicatex8902]

What kind of car? Only vehicle I’ve driven with that little power was a Suzuki samurai that barely got over 70mph lol.

[@mr-vet]

Officers need to be sanctioned for lying…which is also falsifying paperwork and lying under oath….

[@Zt3v3]

@@syndicatex8902 I was curious too. She mentioned a Wrangler though, so that's probably it. I owned a 4cyl wrangler and I don't remember ever taking it over 70mph so it probably jives.

[@tomnisen3358]

Congratulations!

[@joemag6032]

Justin , you should upload that "video showing me topping out at 76 on the expressway with the pedal floored" and tell us here how to find it on KZbin.

[@joshuasargent991]

Being pulled over by a cop is exactly like having a conversation with an abusive parent. It somehow becomes your job to manage their emotions or you will suffer great repercussions.

[@andrewmiller1258]

And 'tell it to the judge' becomes 'wait until your mother/father gets home'. In either case, cue Law and Order dun-dun sound.

[@sneakyneaky]

Well stated

[@mittenjumpstrings]

All bureaucrats with power bring this energy. Great simile.

[@jesseduke694]

Exactly!!

[@jasonrodgers9063]

Fair? No. Reality? Yes. Take your pick. I choose reality, like Steve did.

[@CanadianCuttingEdge]

100% spot on advice. Any guy who thinks being nice to a cop is a threat to their manliness doesn't need to worry - it's gone already. Real men are courteous. Real men think about how their actions will affect others, etc etc.

[@FractalPrism.]

No True Scotsman fallacy.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

There is being polite, which can help with most interactions with other humans and some dogs. There is also self-incrimination, which is gorram stupid. When a cop asks you, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" or other questions, DO NOT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION!

[@lunatik9696]

I am always polite, but if a cop starts with BS, I let them know politely that I am not playing.

[@scottbehr5690]

who fed you that line of crap?

[@suunto61]

Steve… same experience after passing the sheriff on the right at 70 in a 55 zone. Rolled the windows down, turned on the interior light. He noted this and he asked me why. Told him, so you can relax. Was on my way as soon as he checked for warrants.

[@moedark4390]

Our egos and attitudes can be our worst enemy. Im always meek and kind to officers. Ive been let off with a warning twice and gotten the lesser of the infraction 3 times

[@tester3x]

@@moedark4390 no bro, its their egos and attitudes that are our worst enemy. You need to be grateful that you have been very lucky but realize you have been very lucky. I implore you to search KZbin for "1st amendment audits" and learn from them. Our country is in a police state and We The People... are the only ones who can fix it because the government, which the police are part of, are not on our side.

[@darkarima]

Your comment on drinking during the holidays reminded me of why my brother (former police) says they get so many domestic calls over the holidays: 1) People get together, haven't seen each other in a year or more. 2) To loosen up and make things more bearable, they drink a beer or two. 3) After the third or fourth, they remember *_why_* they haven't seen each other in a year or more.

[@MrOnemanop]

It's funny how ambulance calls follow that basic rule. Just because they're family, doesn't mean they're necessarily going to be nice to the patient, or me. Rather more than likely family just complicates the scene.

[@OneDullMan]

And then they are told not to drive so they have to stay there and drink more.

[@adasterdezaster2865]

ROFL

[@daleford8411]

I think that's a part of it. People also stress at this time of time of year because it brings home loneliness, dysfunctional families, relationship breakdowns etc. That leads to substance abuse and depression. A dangerous mix.

[@BostLabs]

Yeah, that is why I DON'T drink when visiting relatives I haven't seen in a while. :)

[@earltharp953]

I saw your other video about this subject and a few months later I got pulled over. The cop asked me why I had my hands on the steering wheel. I told him it was a courtesy so he could see my hands. His whole demeanor then changed. He smiled and said “thank you. I appreciate that”. We had a polite short conversation and I did not get a ticket.

[@dugpascoe1148]

Sometimes a warning has a more positive impact on people driving safely than a ticket. Nice job Steve.

[@kenbrown2808]

a police officer I used to know before he moved to a different town once told em, he'd rather see an improvement in behavior than write a ticket.

[@jcee2259]

Yup. My paid positive was unambiguous. Please pardon my use of too many syllables.

[@jpnewman1688]

@@kenbrown2808 yup.. It's better to have a good 🐑 than an angry 🐑 that may turn into a wolf.. 😂😂

[@matdddd]

That is absolutely correct. When you get a ticket you’ve become a victim. When you get a warning you feel like you were giving something.

[@DocLaw172]

@@matdddd , a victim for getting a ticket because you did something wrong which was also unlawful? How do you figure that? By breaking the law, you take a chance on making somebody else a victim from your bad driving.

[@cmichaelhoover8432]

Simple courtesy that I would give to any stranger when given to a police officer will go miles and miles toward working toward a good outcome to an encounter. I have had way too many encounters with traffic officers in my many years. Quite a few have resulted in no issues simply because I am almost always polite, kind, and safety conscious. I just wish to reinforce your words of wisdom, and to thank you for your fantastic coverage on KZbin.

[@ronaldbradley9949]

I had a police officer tell me once the difference between careless and reckless driving was on how polite you were to him.

[@ChadKovac]

the difference between careless and reckless driving was on one person's perception.

[@tracygarner5912]

Dude I avoided getting arrested for 31 over the speed limit in the 1990s being very polite. I got a huge ticket and points but they let me go.

[@ThatGuy182545]

That’s pretty ludicrous, when your level of “violation” comes down to how bad a day that cop is having. Gives me serious questions about the legitimacy of the whole process.

[@jcee2259]

Experienced feelings being paid to work in jails and state penal facilities. I had two choices. My instruction or having the felon administered by the on-duty Shift Captain. Nobody was exempt from institution rules. Also did as much as a Deputy Sheriff in traffic stops , citations , and courtroom procedures. I'm retired and some people I dealt with are alive or have died in incarceration. I recommend public sector hire to halt liars.

[@lizcollinson2692]

Well thats the very definition of injustice.

[@joevano]

Kinda disappointed you waited an entire 30 minutes to tell us… 😂😂

[@prunabluepepper]

Yes, he should have started a livestream right in the car, and have the officer say hello 😂

[@WarrenAAndrews]

@@prunabluepepper stick a camera in the Cops face like DDE and argue with him

[@jpnewman1688]

I bet Steve (who's a lawyer) and most 🐑 🐑 still believe that 🐑 🐕 🐕 are there to "serve and protect" them from harm.. 💯💯😂😂

[@michaelshrader5139]

Yeah.... why weren't you like Live-Streaming last night Steve????? What are you trying to hide??? :-p

[@GoCoyote]

We wouldn't want him to speed back to Lehto central and get a ticket.......

[@RK-zo9vt]

Instructed my kids exactly what your last video on this regarding the advice and several times they had been pulled over but never got a ticket. RESPECT goes a long way.

[@MontanaWelldigger]

Even feigned respect is just being smart.

[@jochenehmen6108]

@@MontanaWelldigger true respect they are human beings just like you are there are bad people - and that is what the meet with more often than not kindly keep that in mind

[@lutherp40]

tyvm, I am in the camp of trying to be as helpful to the officer as I can be. "don'tstart no trouble, and there wont be none is" my usual philosphy. again tyvm for sharing this story. :)

[@banditone7896]

One of my middle school coaches that was a former cop gave us this exact advice back in the mid 80s. Don't ask me why he was giving this advice to a bunch of 12 year olds, but I always followed it and it has served me well. I can't say that I have always gotten out of tickets, but I haven't been shot...so there's that.

[@frotoe9289]

Oddly enough, I remember better a lot of stuff I learned as a kid than things I learned at age 40. Someone talking to you about traffic stops and driving is kinda cool when you're 12 and may stick with you. By the time you're 16, you know it all so don't need to listen.

[@jerrycrews7011]

You're absolutely right. I've done those things for years and it's always turned out good. I always wondered why you'd give a cop a hard time when he's the one with a gun, taser, pepper spray, billy club and can make one call and have five more just like him show up in a heartbeat.

[@DorcasLandry]

👍

[@egarcia1360]

The highlight of this one for me was: "But Steve, there are some people out there who never get pulled over!" "Yeah, I know, I drive behind them..." 🤣

[@WayneKeen]

I read once where it was said that many people who were drunk tended to drive slower and more carefully than normal, so driving that was is.....suspicious too.

[@Tjalve70]

@@WayneKeen Of course I can't say for sure, but I think you got your intoxications slightly mixed up. From what I have heard, people who are high on cannabis tend to do what you are describing. They KNOW that they are impaired, they can feel it, and they overcompensate for it, by driving VERY slowly. But they also react very slowly. People who are drunk, tend to not feel that they are impaired. In fact, they tend to feel that they are driving very well. And so they have a tendency to drive faster than normal, and also to react slowly and basically drive all over the place. But you are right. If you see a person who is driving considerably slower than normal drivers do, and seem to have very slow reactions, then quite likely he is either: 1: High on cannabis, or 2: Very tired, or 3: Very old. So that is also quite suspicious.

[@Fancyfan1000]

@@WayneKeen I know of a good highway that has a speed limit of 50 MPH. Have never heard of anyone getting pulled over for doing 55 MPH. However, I have heard of several drivers telling of doing 40 MPH to 45 MPH especially at night being pulled over and checked for drinking.

[@Fancyfan1000]

@@WayneKeenIn these cases, most often pulled over doing 45MPH in the 50 MPH limit without holding up anyone behind them. One fellow was having problems with oncoming traffic headlights blinding him.

[@marilynallen7125]

Greetings from near Springfield, MO... I LOVE your commentary.. Be safe out there..

[@mags102755]

I forwarded this video to my daughter. I have told your story to her many times. The last time she was pulled over she followed your advice, and the same result occurred. No ticket.

[@fsmoura]

For entirely different reasons, tho...

[@craigslist6988]

I just want to add that I also have experienced anecdotal evidence. (Juuust a joke, not making a point for or against anything.)

[@Refort610]

Really depends on the officer. I've been pulled over 3 times. 2 times, the officers were friendly but fair. The other time, the officer had a bad attitude before I could say anything, and that was 6 over.

[@Salvation4DJews]

@@Refort610 In Raleigh NC, a Judge threatened to cite a cop for contempt of court for bringing him a 5 over defendant. I think you might be in the wrong state. In NC, 9-10 over is where the draw the line.

[@mattcolin2963]

My wife and all her sisters have never received a ticket. I have never not received a ticket. Edit: I did get illegally pulled over after the dealership i bought my car from taped the temporary tag in the rear windshield. The cop let me go after asking for my ID and then saying, "a lot of people steal cars and do that."

[@CaliforniaArchitect]

This is good advice. I think that your approach is essentially the Jedi Mind Trick of dealing with cops during traffic stops.

[@roberteachus1563]

I’m always of the opinion that treating people how you like to be treated, no matter who they are, goes a long way.

[@snex000]

Oh yeah? Is the cop doing that when he detains you for a victimless crime that only exists to milk money out of people?

[@angelmarauder5647]

I would like to be treated with disdain and anger if I'm acting like a domineering jerk. However, I'm not allowed to act that way to domineering jerks of a certain profession.

[@jpnewman1688]

Yup.. I bet all those natives and blacks would agree with you.. 😂😂

[@jpnewman1688]

@@Joxman2k really?? How about all those natives and blacks?? Were they responsible for how they were and still being treated by whites?? 😂😂

[@robwoodring9437]

I'm surprised at the number of guys in here that expect polite treatment from cops while refusing to do a thing to ease the cop's demeanor. They wouldn't do that with most coworkers; they sure as hell won't do that with their wives. But cops don't deserve the same consideration for some reason.

[@marksaunderson3042]

Your advice is most wise Mr Lehto. You win more friends with honey than you do with expletives, to me this is a self evident truth. I have been pulled over twice. I am Polite, respectful, and non confrontational by nature. 1st time I blew into the breathalyser, and blew green. I was on my way shortly after. Not drunk, taxed MOT’d and insured. Good to go. Second time I had a defective brake light. Oh. Thanks for telling me, I have spare bulbs, which side is it? I had the lamp off the car while the police officer was walking back to his car. I want my brake lights to work, helps a lot in avoiding getting rear-ended. The 3rd time does no count. I was at work, parked, and a police officer arrived for other reasons, saw my bike, and said ‘nice bike.’ Yes, I like it a lot as well.

[@natural_filosofy]

i'm glad you noticed the ridiculously bright lights that the police have these days. I was detained and asked to keep my hands on the hood of the police vehicle, and during that time that blinding light was making me so angry. In the end I didn't even receive a citation, but I remember being so angry, because of that blinding light that I couldn't look away from even if I close my eyes, it seemed to go through my eyelids. And I didn't wanna close my eyes because I didn't wanna look like I was drunk or on drugs or anything. they need to chill out on that light, there needs to be studies done.

[@thomasjordan5578]

The lights do constitute aggression.

[@natural_filosofy]

@@thomasjordan5578 it certainly feels like you are at the receiving end of an aggressive act that goes on for a prolonged period of time. it was making it very difficult for me to keep my composure.

[@Kevin_Underhill]

I think the lights can be really dangerous. I'm highly suspicious of any claims they save lives. Anecdotally I'd say most people I know flinch, closing their eyes and looking away, for several seconds before the thought occurs that maybe they should put their foot on the break. Same goes for the overly bright break lights more and more cars have.

[@cujet]

A good number of people are sensitive to strobing lights to some degree or another. It can create anger, unusual thoughts, or it can create seizures. Next time you could claim you are photosensitive to bright strobing lights and ask to be placed elsewhere.

[@louisglen1653]

I was told the lights are capable of causing a seizure if you are epileptic. So then the police would all of a sudden be calling an ambulance.

[@jackarnold7887]

I was pulled over about 8 years ago exiting a small town in central Ohio and started to increase my speed similar to your story, 50 in a 35. I could see the 55 speed limit sign from where I was pulled over so I was a little early accelerating. The Police officer approached my car, I kept my hands on the wheel, was polite to the officer and followed his instructions. He asked where I was going and I told home to Cincinnati after visiting my grandkids. He asked for my license and registration and when he returned he handed them back and told me to have a nice day. It didn't hurt anything to be nice to the officer and it may have saved me a speeding ticket.

[@phydeux]

It was Middletown, wasn't it? 😂 Just be glad it wasn't Arlington Heights. My first two tickets were there, and they're vicious about it. They got so bad the Ohio Highway Patrol prohibited them from doing traffic enforcement on I-75.

[@aprilmorris4588]

They're lied to on a constant basis so I'm willing to get someone being polite and honest if like a breath of fresh, cold air on a hot day.

[@DonOblivious]

I learned as a child that in those small towns, that 35mph speed limit really does extend all the way to that 55mph sign. Cruise control is a very useful tool even though it feels so painfully slow to travel those stretches of road that are slow purely for income-generation reasons.

[@stevebryson3735]

Hey Steve my name is Steve also I was on a highway that runs parallel to interstate 10 in Georgia and I was pulled over by state trooper early in the morning now this happened before your advice but I did the same thing as you described and the other thing that got me out of the ticket it's I was doing 75 in the 55 mph speed zone but it was a four-lane highway the trooper is very nice what got me out of the ticket was he said that he knew that I thought the speed limit was 75 because he was coming the opposite direction and he clocked me at 75 and when he turned around to pull me over I did not slow down that one bit he just informed me the speed limit is 55 said you guys have a great morning and slow down

[@kyle1598hffgyfv]

In Bowling Green, OH, they only really do verbal and written warnings. It's a party college town, so as long as you have no warrants and are sober, it is typically catch & release.

[@matthewgarrity2365]

Steve is being the better man by de escalating, which should be the officer’s job, but what we should all really be doing. Good job man

[@dave-in-nj9393]

I've met those cops. de escalating the situation and making everyone feel comfortable. never thought about it till you said it. I never thought about it before.

[@guillermoelnino]

Cops shouldnt be the ones escalating things.

[@JimDean002]

I think you nailed it. The minute the driver starts to escalate it the first thing that happens is the officer takes it to an even higher level in an attempt to push it back down. By just staying on an even keel and keeping it civil and not arguing you have an outcome like this. One of my dad's best friends when I first started driving was a colonel with the Wyoming Highway patrol. One sentence he told me when I started driving has stuck with me for 45 years of driving. You will never win an argument with a cop on the side of the road. That's how he put it and I listen and it's true. As he also told me, That's why we have Post commanders and a court system. You get screwed on the side of the road you take it to court or to their boss. But that night you just put up with it. You shouldn't have to but at the end of the day it's there game and their rules right then.

[@tonyrosa4750]

This is the best way to handle a stop by law enforcement, Even if your interaction is not well on their part you did it right on yours. Well done Sir.

[@marshallvanwagneriii1495]

Great interaction, great advice, great video. I know for a fact that this type of behavior can keep you from getting a ticket. It never hurts to be polite in any situation with law enforcement officers, or anyone else for that matter.

[@ahdhehcfudjdnc4859]

If you're respectful and compliant, they'll take all your cash, seize your car, and take your house through civil asset forfeiture. Such a good outcome.

[@JohnGrace-r9z]

That's what I would have said

[@invujerry]

PA state police haven’t let me go with a warning yet, but I have gotten a ticket written down from 20 over to 5 over by being polite. That’s a pretty solid deal.

[@big.g.fromohio3546]

More than one Pennsylvania state trooper have told me they have no leeway, if those lights come on behind you get your check book out.

[@someonespadre]

Highway Patrol officers usually are out there to write tickets so if you get selected for a roadside meeting you will probably get a citation. Politeness may reduce the charges.

[@dannyw7662]

A plain wrapper from Laporte pulled me over on the way to a Tea Party Meeting. He didnt like my anti demonrat obozo stickers.

[@someonespadre]

@@dannyw7662 why would you even have that on your car? Just tags you as an overgrown 12 year old.

[@w8what575]

But I’m sure it would be ok for them to have some antifa or leftist hate meme plastered on their car though right? Rules for these but not for me seems to be the democratic way these days…all they have to do is spew some bs lie like the contraception bs lie and everyone believes their stupidity…im blown away at how ignorant so many people are

[@barrydraper]

Well played Steve! Common sense and politeness will get you a long way in this life.

[@andyiserve6557]

Steve, this is great advice, and it is what I have done since I have been driving, and instruct my kids, who all drive to do the same. Here is my favorite interaction, as an early 20’s guy, riding a sports motorcycle, after enduring several miles of construction on a rural Michigan 2 lane, and once the construction ended, I opened it up and passed a few cars to get on my way. This may have been in a “no passing lane”. Just as I merged back into my lane, probably double the speed limit, a State Trooper came up over the next hill. As I passed him, I could see the brake lights in my rear-view mirror. I immediately stopped in the next available clear driveway, shut off the bike, took my helmet off and waited. I didn’t have to wait long 😊 as the officer did turn around and had his lights on. Of course, I did receive a reprimand, and informed that he didn’t want to have to scrape me off the ground after an accident but received no ticket! I don’t recommend that anyone drive the way I did, and you may not have the same experience, but courtesy to law enforcement goes a long way to keeping the interactions short and sweet. Steve, keep up the good work.

[@jhartford58]

Thank you Steve, this is the exact proper way how to act during a traffic stop.

[@rossgraham8776]

I remember the last time you talked about this. Not more than 4 days later I was on a business trip driving to an area that I had never been through and while trying to find the right road at dusk, I missed the reduced speed limit and was pulled over. It was in a very isolated area and I remembered your suggestions and followed them exactly. I also found that everything changed when I asked him if I could reach for my wallet in my back pocket. The interaction became friendly and he listened to my excuse and I was sent on my way with a warning to slow down. I certainly did not feel like I was kowtowing to the policeman in any way - he had a difficult/dangerous plus essential job as it was and I actually felt good that I did not make it any more difficult for him - not getting a ticket made me feel even better

[@HammerHeadzzz]

How do you file a complaint I’d like to do that

[@lisat9707]

​@@HammerHeadzzz that all depends. Your going to need to do the legwork yourself.

[@jasonvandergriff]

As a young and dumb man I was under the impression (in my own mind) that I owned the roads. I was a frequent "customer" of the local courts and as such had frequent interactions with various law enforcement. In those interactions I've been told by several LEOS that in most cases, the officer has already determined whether they are giving you a ticket before they step out of their vehicle. Many LEOs have also stated to me that you can talk yourself into a ticket but not out of one. You nailed it on the head when you said the officer was only looking for drivers under the influence and that's why he let you go. I'm glad you had a reasonably positive interaction and I'm not one to judge your choice of conduct during the traffic stop. I watch a lot of videos on the topic of "auditing" police interactions and enjoy the topic being discussed. I'll look forward to your next video about being pulled over in 2028 since you seem to have a 6 year grace period between traffic stops

[@dbspecials1200]

I got my 1st mechanic job in 1984 and I've owned over 40 used cars. I've been through almost every situation with them. fortunately I never killed or injured anyone with my past driving antics. 🙄🏁

[@charlesclark3840]

Exactly; be polite and don't change the officer's mind from giving you a talking to into giving you a ticket.

[@ecMathGeek]

It's strange how often people who are respectful end up without any tickets and those who aren't respectful often have bad experiences. When someone who was going 20 over the speed limit leaves without a ticket, I do not believe for a second the cop walked out of his vehicle having already decided not to give a ticket.

[@johnsullivan6560]

I haven’t gotten pulled over in the last ten years, but I’ve been blind for those ten years…so not driving. Big fan. Thank you, for all your great videos.

[@michaelwagner8859]

Both my wife and I have each put this advice into action during traffic stops. Each time we had a pleasant experience with the officer and drove off without a ticket. Will always follow Steve's advice!

[@melissabrown8878]

Same

[@cyberherbalist]

I agree, but there will someday be a "special" officer who will be on some power trip.

[@jsloden1]

I'm a high school teacher and I tell this to my students all of the time. If you get pulled over, JUST BE NICE. Being nice will get you a lot further than having an attitude.

[@tomman1718]

Never let them violate your rights. And always record the interaction.

[@mfThump]

​@@tomman1718 your rights mean fuck all until you stand before a judge. there's a saying "you'll catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar" maybe using that can prevent the need to fight a case you walked yourself into.

[@werefrogofassyria6609]

@@tomman1718 Being polite and enforcing your rights are not mutually exclusive. The officer with reasonable suspicion can detain you when you are driving. The officer can require your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Being polite while providing this documentation will go better for you.

[@inthisdayandage6622]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@glasshalffull2930]

@@tomman1718 yeah, much better to have an attitude, refuse simple questions, maybe get a ticket you didn’t need to, maybe a lot worse. I always err on the side of playing it smart.

[@jimbosgaragetoys3949]

Always scary but I'm glad it worked out for you. I had a similar situation not too long ago. I followed your advice and was set on my way after he checked out my people work. Thanks

[@bojohannesen4352]

Your people work? You had your people offer services to the officer? That's bribery, which is a felony.

[@JoseMiguel-m3v]

I love your advice Steve ,no sense in making the stop difficult ,gave the same advice ,to my kids,pull over be respectful ,roll the window down , hands on the wheel at night turn on dome light radio on shut it off, turn off the car,n ask for permission ,to retrieve license ect , because I want my kids to come home safely,and I reminded them so does that officer want to get home safely

[@mikecallahan8234]

Before I retired from 50 years in the grocery business, all these holidays were terribly busy in the stores, and on the way home we had to avoid those that were intoxicated and were inclined to play bumper cars. I am retired now, ain't no way I am going to any store. I will buy holiday stuff and meal fixings in July if I have to. All of you be safe this season.

[@em1osmurf]

used to do overtime at night for the state. VSP that hung out at the crash house: after 3 pm, 1 in 5 may be drunk; after 10 pm, 1 in 3; after 1 am 2 our of 3. more so on weekends. one night at 2 am i was extra alert. out of about 6 other vehicles on the road i think the PA Oil tanker was the only sober driver (and i wasn't real sure about him). chilling to think that if you're at a red light in traffic with about 30 other stopped cars, as many as 6 of them may have drunks driving them.

[@JimmyJinIA]

I never get that lucky Steve. I've done all the preventative stuff prescribed, but it has never helped. I even was yelled at for pulling into a parking lot because I was on a busy narrow 4 lane road and out of respect for the safety of the officer, myself and other drivers I wanted to be out of the way of regular traffic. I've seen sooo many of your videos, Audit the Audit videos and such that I know it doesn't make a darn difference, some cops are just on a power trip, and those that don't perform very well never advance to detective or other ranks and only have the power trip aspect. Then I see literally a dozen people driving with no headlights on, even in front of a cop, and they don't get pulled over. Tired of hypocrisy and lack of enforcement for significant safety issues.

[@j.settle6448]

Ummm, some officers have zero desire to get promoted or to become a detective! That includes me. I have zero desire to answer for other officers' actions or sit in an office investigating child sexual assaults, hit-and-run crashes, etc. Big PASS!

[@syklon3938]

@@j.settle6448 then enjoy being a part of the problem.

[@syklon3938]

Yes that's a white man's advice to another white man.

[@JimmyJinIA]

@@syklon3938 Advice? No suggestions given. What are you trying to say or suggest?

[@syklon3938]

@@JimmyJinIA I wrote a long reply to Lehto. His advice is nothing but a white man's advice to another white man. I had a lot of frivolous tickets and a lot more nice interactions with cops. Advice is to always film. Know your rights. And lastly be courteous. You cannot change the intent of a charging bull. You can change the outcome by trying to avoid it as long as you can, and have documentation on what actually happened instead of getting stuck with the bull can do to you undocumented in the side of the road.

[@---cr8nw]

Steve, thank you. I watch several lawyer channels on youtube and it's refreshing to see such a good balance of respect and caution. You didn't say anything that is likely to get you in more trouble. You didn't explicitly exercise your 5th amendment right, but you also didn't waive it. I'm not sure I would've told an officer exactly from where I was coming or to where I was going, but in general, that bit of information isn't likely to hurt you.

[@LuckyCharms777]

The problem with answering one seemingly innocent question is that once you answer one question, you’re more likely to open up and answer more questions. This has been proven with psychological studies. That’s precisely why cops often start with innocuous questions, they’re buttering you up. It’s no different than a salesman asking friendly questions. Also, there’s the off chance you might say something inconsistent or accidentally revealing. This in fact happened to me. Cop: “Where are you coming from?” Me: “The other side of town.” Cop: “Oh, so you’ve been driving this fast all the way from the other side of town.” Me: (Doh!) It didn’t matter whether I was driving that fast or not the entire way, the cop had already reached his conclusion and intended to punish me for it rather than possibly giving me a warning or reducing the speed I was ticketed for. Another time a cop asked me that same question and I answered “That parking lot you saw me pull out of.” If I had instead answered the place I was actually returning from rather than the errand I stopped for, he would’ve wondered what I might be trying to conceal. It’s just too easy to trip up when cooperating, so the best thing to do is just politely inform the officer “With all due respect, I don’t answer questions. Am I free to go?” If he persists at trying to question you, just keep repeating yourself like a broken record and ask for a supervisor. Unlike Steve and others in the comments, I expect to be ticketed rather than be given a warning, so I just want the interaction done as quickly as possible. The majority of times that I’ve been pulled over have been very transactional. I stopped getting warnings once I turned about 25 years old. It doesn’t help that my vehicles are likely targeted on the basis of the stereotypical driver of them, so cops already have their mind set before approaching my door.

[@HUBERDUDE]

It’s always good to be respectful. They go a lot of crap and there are certain steps to take to show you are not a threat.

[@sresnic]

About 30 years ago I was pulled over for speeding on a highway in city next to where I lived. After I had handed over my license and registration, the trooper asked me if I knew [name]. I said yes and that he was my father. I asked him how he knew my father. He said that my dad was suing him (he was a lawyer and was representing a client who was suing the trooper for some civil rights violation). The trooper was actually very nice and let me go with a warning.

[@wingracer1614]

LOL, I had that happen to me only it was an ex room mate they were looking for. That cop was one of the guys that came to my house to arrest him and drag him off a couple years prior. I had a very distinctive car and he recognized it from the bust and pulled me just to see if I was him. He asked me where he was and I told him in your own county jail (he had gotten locked up again after getting out from the last arrest). He laughed, gave me my license back and let me go

[@cujet]

Holy shit!

[@Blackferret66]

The warning was probably to avoid any perception of harassment against a lawyer involved in a case against him.

[@StreetFighter2010]

Wow!!

[@StreetFighter2010]

@@Blackferret66You are probably right! 😮

[@cscottbailey]

Steve, This is EXACTLY how I act when getting pulled over. I am not the driver that always stays under the speed limit so I get tagged. The last 3 times the officer gave me a warning. It astounds me why anyone would want to be confrontational with an officer. You are so correct in the range of options they have when pulling you over, from letting you go to putting you in the back of their car. I prefer to go home....without a citation.

[@sloaiza81]

What's astounding about confronting a public servant who lies?

[@dustybrown4599]

@@sloaiza81 It's you who pays the price, not the cop. Also, he never mentioned anything about the cop lying.

[@kendebusk2540]

Exactly correct! When I took driver's training back when we drove dinosaurs (standard transmission), I was taught to be polite, say you're sorry, and promise not to do it again. I have been pulled over and that doesn't always get you out of a ticket, but I'm positive it got me a verbal warning instead of a "10 over". I also have a plate with the veteran's designation and my driver's license says the same thing. I've seen the policeman's face light up and smile when asking me about my service job and what it meant to me. Good advice, Steve, those who wish to ignore are missing the boat on this one.

[@call132]

Never admit guilt( say sorry only if you’re a Canadian , we actually have established legally that an apology is not admission of guilt don’t think that’s true many other places) , still be polite and courteous

[@JewelryEnthusiast]

I see a W8NEC radio tube on the desk behind you. After some research I found your video on Norm. Nice to see this fellow amateurs legacy live on through your channel. Very cool!

[@atvseatexchange2176]

I was taught those things at an early age and remembered them although I ignored many other lessons. When I got pulled over in the winter of 1990, I acted reasonable and within minutes my car was surrounded by dozens of law enforcement personnel with their guns pointed at me and shouting orders. Not aware that I had a warrant and was listed as "armed and dangerous", I was "taken down" which is not the same as "being arrested", and started my tour of county jails, state prisons and finally, federal prison. Although the tour had it's rough moments, I always will appreciate the fact that I'm still alive and didn't reach or even sneeze at the wrong moment. I still drive like I'm "driving dirty" and check my lights and use the cruise control as much as possible. One thing I won't let myself become is one of those bitches that complain about a ticket when they're wrong and just won't admit it.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

@@Martys-4x4 When you are under investigation, phones are tapped, from then on all your movements are documented and physically followed to some destinations. All of your contacts with others cause more phones to be tapped, evidence is presented to a Judge who signs a warrant for your arrest. What started out as a couple of low level charges, over time turn into a string of felonies to use as leverage to try to get you to cooperate. What started out as a potential short stay in the County Jail and a Rehab, turned into a pair of 10 year sentences run overlapping.

[@chrismoody1342]

I concur. Story #1 My recent trip to Missouri I got pulled over just before crossing state line. I did everything you mentioned and things went easy peasy. He had clocked me at h90 in a 65. He ran my license and came back a told me I was free to go. My ticket would of been probably $400 and Discretionary impound and/or jail. Story #2. I was headed to my brothers house on my motorcycle for a nieces birthday party. I hopped on the interstate for a short 3-4 mile trip to the needed exit. When I entered the interstate I hit the gas a zoomed up to 150+ for a few seconds (Italian tuneup). Hitting the exit I noticed a trooper on my six with lights on. I immediately stopped and was awaiting my fate. He was so appreciative that I stopped that he looked at my paperwork and let me go with a “your old enough to know better than speeding like that.” Yes sir you are correct sir. Thank you Sir.

[@Stetsonhatman]

This is an excellent video, great points Steve. Everyone is human and we all make an occasional mistake. Not all cops have bad attitudes or behave in an unprofessional manner.

[@michaelshrader5139]

Even 1 is too many, though. Just saying.

[@jodyproudfit918]

All great advice... I too had an experience. I followed your advice and had a positive outcome. Thanks much!

[@happyhome41]

Kindred spirit - have never had alcohol for the same non-reasons. Never developed the taste. LOVE your advice. GREAT episode. May you and yours have a wonderful holiday time.

[@dc1544]

I agree how you calmed the officer. The outcome proves it. Good to know that if they ask for more than just your DL you getting tickets. You need a dash cam that shows GPS speeds in recording.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

THIS IS EXCELLENT, A LITTLE RESPECT GOES LONG WAY!!!! Both parties.

[@mikemorgan5015]

So let me get this straight. Being considerate and respectful resulted in a good outcome? Shocking! Strange times we live in. Keep up the good work and have a great weekend.

[@luisgutierrez8047]

From my experience....being awkward AF also helps lmao. I be getting pulled over left and right with no insurance and expired registration and be let go with just a warming 😅

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@luisgutierrez8047 You are why MY insurance is so high. Thanks pal.

[@topiasr628]

Crazy I know!! He didn't mention this but this tactic applies to pretty much everything from customer service agents to cops! If you're nice, understanding and considerate, people will usually do everything they can to help you out. Heck I've worked as a store manager and that was true with me when people came in w expired coupons or returns without a receipt

[@hisdivineshadow8263]

Respect is earned. Not freely given based on a job choice, or a tin badge

[@mikemorgan5015]

@@hisdivineshadow8263 Eventually, that will hash itself out, but you're starting with an unknown empty slate. Showing respect earns respect. Hostility invites hostility. Are you going to act like a jerk until the cop "earns" your respect? Let me know how that works out for you. They are in the position of power in any traffic stop. Even if they're wrong. Especially if they don't have body cams. Take your chances if you want to, but extending an olive branch at the beginning and showing respect for the POSITION, not the individual, is way more likely to be an on-ramp to a good experience, while a hostile attitude will likely be responded to in kind as well. In recent years, we have lost a big chunk of our civility toward one another. There are horrible cops out there. A good way to make them the even worse is to initially display a bad or combative attitude. This applies pretty much universally. Always put yourself in the shoes of the other. Don't shoot the messenger. For instance, it's not the customer service rep who made your product defective. What possible good could come from being an a-hole to them? Being respectful and nice will almost always yield a better outcome. You can still play hardball while being respectful.

[@3xceIIent]

I absolutely hate the "where are you coming from?" or "where are you going?". They have no right to ask you and shouldn't. But if you tell them it's not their business or refuse to answer than you know you are going to catch hell for it.

[@rcud1]

yeah, what their really doing is seeing how paranoid you might be, ie, you committed a crime and are running away.

[@ohsweetmystery]

@@rcud1 The chances you are fleeing from a crime must be a hundred thousand to one. Maybe less.

[@lordgeovanni]

Them asking that type of question actually helps them understand your actions much quicker. Yes, I will not say they are entitled to that info, but it does help. For example, if you say something like "I am looking for the Dr.'s Office and got lost", it could explain why you were slowing down and reading all the road signs. Or if you are heading home and speeding, they could ask and you could say that you are on your way home before the storm (say like an hour away) and they might overlook the speeding if they know you are trying to get out of the storm's way. The truth is always best, over coming up with an "excuse", as they will read your hesitation as just covering up whatever you are actually doing. And often, I find that they have ways of determining if you are correct on your statements. For example, Dr.'s orders for new medication or your phone being set with an address already in it, showing your path to your destination. Or even just a google result for where you are going.

[@gavinjenkins899]

You don't have to be rude when you refuse. "With all due respect, I don't see the relevance, I'd prefer not to say". If they follow up with "there's a whole pack of lions ahead of you on 4th street" then maybe I change my mind and talk about where I'm going and how to detour.

[@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595]

When I obtained my Conceal Carry Permit in Arizona, our instructor went through the process for safely handling a traffic stop while armed. It contained everything you listed PLUS stating, "I have a weapon in the car". When I was pulled over for an expired license tag, I followed the Rules and only received a verbal warning.

[@michaelhanson5773]

It is not just disclosing the weapon in the car in michigan, the first things out of your mouth when they get to your window better be, "I have a CPL and my firearm is on me". The instructors in michigan here always tell us to mention we have the CPL while telling them we have the firearm on us and where it is located (hip/pocket/console, etc). I have a CPL but don't carry it all the time since i work in a federal building so i cannot carry it in. When i get pulled over i always tell them i have a CPL and whether or not i am carrying. Not sure if all the instructors here say this, but when an officer runs your license, at least in michigan, it will pop up if you have a CPL and sometimes the office may think you are hiding something (wrongly or rightly) if they see that but you never told them one way or the other. I have found the more honest i am and try to make them feel safe the better it goes. My CPL instructor was one that normally works with officers for my county doing their shooting training and stuff so I figured he would know more about the cops than some instructor that just does CPL tests.

[@stclairstclair]

Can't I say "officer I have a sidearm in the vehicle"? "I have a weapon" Just sounds Postal! What like a bat with 3 inch nails sticking out of it😛

[@SmittyAZ]

@@ericew I'm not being a creep, but what area is this?

[@SmittyAZ]

Should we also say that we are carrying a lot of cash, so we are armed?

[@hime273]

@@michaelhanson5773 of course a Bootlicker who trains Cops is gonna tell you that crap. Why not go ahead and tell you to take it up the ass? For "Officer Safety" obviously.

[@maxboya]

Great video Steve. It’s what I always try to tell people, it’s always about perception. The next level or topic of conversation should be about drivers who actively monitor all traffic laws and still get pulled over.

[@lifestream4191]

Best advice I heard from a friend... "smart people don't get mad at their money"

[@luisking7228]

Respect goes a long way. I wish people would learn this. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

[@gus29361]

Um tell the cops that

[@ontherocks23]

I have been driving for almost 54 years. In that time, I have probably had 3 "police interactions" per decade, other than a burned out brake light 3 years ago, the last one was in 2015. By maintaining a cooperative, cordial attitude, most of the interactions have been with minimal hassles. It may not work every time, but as long you generally behave yourself, it seems that a cooperative, cordial attitude might help your legal position during an interaction.

[@red---paulvanravenswaay2247]

AMEN

[@vanguy7810]

@@gus29361Dead on Dude

[@annettea2997]

That goes BOTH ways.

[@keithrosenberg5486]

The last time I had an interaction with the police at the side of the road I was already at the side of the road. A State Trooper pulled up behind us just to see if we were OK. Being on a desert not far from Death Valley, we appreciated his presence.

[@alexkuhn5188]

We need more officers like that state trooper, actually making sure people are okay. I hope you thanked him for his concern.

[@angelachouinard4581]

I had that happen years ago in California. We had already called AAA and we were on the shoulder. The Highway Patrol officer told me that checking on stranded motorists was part of his job. Another time my vehicle died on the freeway near San Francisco and I was in a tiny space in front of a bridge abutment. CHP showed up almost immediately, pulled in behind me with lights on and stayed until I got a tow. I always had good luck with them.

[@angelachouinard4581]

I had that happen years ago in California. We had already called AAA and we were on the shoulder. The Highway Patrol officer told me that checking on stranded motorists was part of his job. Another time my vehicle died on the freeway near San Francisco and I was in a tiny space in front of a bridge abutment. CHP showed up almost immediately, pulled in behind me with lights on and stayed until I got a tow. I always had good luck with them.

[@strawpiglet]

@@angelachouinard4581 Wow, I’m in California and have had no such luck, not even stranded at night in the pouring rain with my hazards on, just drove right past.

[@angelachouinard4581]

@@strawpiglet Have to admit it was decades ago. So I guess another service has gone downhill. That they just drove by really sucks. Guess it's good I left California.

[@dianahoughton7346]

my husband saysexactly what you say PLUS he advocates putting car keys on roof but now with electric start does not make any difference, Love the correct advise for public.

[@bobbybarnes408]

I'm a retired officer, and I've been on both sides of the traffic stop. I also have my carry concealed permit. In addition to everything you've said I also tell the officer that I'm armed and where my weapon is located. I then ask the officer what he would like for me to do. I've seen and felt that visible relief. Every time I get into discussions with various people I tell them the same thing as you. It amazes me the number of people that take the opposite approach.

[@choccolocco]

I did that once, and the trooper actually told me he “didn’t care”. His tone surprised me a bit, and I didn’t get a ticket in the end. Strange

[@chris.eskimo]

Same here ! Well said, Sir!

[@rc01010101]

Yes, the lights on cruisers these days are insane. I live in a rural area and when it's all completely dark everywhere around those lights are even more annoying. I hate when they have someone pulled over and I come upon them, it's just ridiculous and makes it hard for us to see. I haven't been pulled over since 2006. That was not a good stop, I was in a rental I'd just picked up. It had unfamiliar stalk controls and when I thought I was flipping off the cruise control I actually flipped the brights. I wasn't the only one in the vehicle. The cop (a WSP) chose to call me a liar when I simply told him what the fact was. He wasn't in my vehicle so to presume he knows what took place is just ignorant and calling me a liar is sure a quick way to put me on the offensive, hard. That ass chose not to give me a ticket because I dared him to, I had witnesses as to my actions. I'm always polite when pulled over, I leave it up to the officer to set the tone because I'm respectful on contact. I respect LE that is respectful. My respect goes away when LE is not respectful to me and they really, really should keep that in mind when dealing with the public. Some seem to not care one bit or understand this. I come from a family with LEO, we aren't what i'd call a LE family but there are some. The only times I've ever chosen to be confrontational were when I knew they had no reason to ticket me and I could prove it as well as knew I was being sort of harassed. More than one occasion I have dared the officer to ticket me and they declined because I called them on their bs, me dealing with the situation very specifically. Touching fog lines is a very, very common excuse for pulling anyone over, hard to dispute, makes for a good excuse to check the driver. They pulled that one on my wife about 18 years or so ago when I let her drive because of my migraine. She was upset about it, I told her not to worry about it, just an excuse to check her for impairment. My vehicles have dashcams these days, front and rear and they record my speed as well. They aren't just useful for the bad drivers that might hit you.

[@blue39503]

The local police department has decided the street in front of my house is a good spot to pull folks over and the lights flashing through my window at all hours of the night will actually wake me up.

[@rc01010101]

@@blue39503 How nice. Black out blinds or curtains time. These LED lightbars put out a crazy amount of light.

[@MrSoundboystudios]

Hey Steve, love your show ! you provide good advice and enlighten folks as well as shine a light on outliers about these kind of issues surrounding the legal realm and the processes therein. This commentary is one of those things, its nice of you to relay the message of being polite and respectful to law enforcement during traffic stops and while interacting with them in a official capacity. I subscribe to the same viewpoint and I take a relatively similar approach as you do in such situations, I even go as far as to roll the front windows all the way down and the rear windows down far enough that the area in the back seat can be easily and quickly scanned by the officer as they approach me and put them at ease as to make a good faith display showing that I am not a threat and they can see that I commiserate and have some understanding of their position and concerns right out of the gate as our interaction begins. If they still seem on edge or overly concerned about my actions for the situation in general I will often take the keys out of the ignition and place them up on the dashboard and set my parking brake. HOWEVER ...... if I sense that they are going down the path of being unreasonable or insist on making a display of power or being generally rude or abusivde towards me as things unfold I will tell them, "excuse me for just a second while I get my phone , I am sensing a bit of hostility here so in the name of fairness as well as for your safety and mine I think it's a good idea that I start recording the rest of this interaction so there are no misunderstandings or anything like that, im sure you understand....." In that was I keep the interaction cordial as possible while also expressing my assertiveness and displaying that I am not afraid to exercise my rights and doing my best to keep them honest and on good behavior. Usually they take a step back and take a moment to consider their demeanor and how they may be coming across on video and how it will be perceived by others if the video makes its way to the public or to the desk of their bosses , and in extreme and rare cases how the courts may weigh in when considering their conduct and if it was correct and necessary for the purposes of handling a traffic ticket or involuntary contact with a member of the public. Thanks Steve , take care .

[@brycestewart3181]

My dad was a city cop, rhey are just trying to not have a bad day or worse, get dead. You are spot on with how to handle that transaction lololoolol Take care and Thx for sharing from Wyoming Yes I know this was a year ago :-) Still good advice....

[@mattiemathis9549]

As a retired law enforcement officer I can’t tell you enough how much your tips mean to me! I know 90% of my stops did not result in criminality being found. But I also know that the one time I let my guard down, my baby girl may never see me again. I like to put it like this: imagine your job was to encounter people during their most humiliating and their best “not citizen award of the year” day. After awhile it’s hard not to get hardened. And depending on where you work and when, scared. If I approach a vehicle and the dome light is on, the people in the vehicle are listening and responding to questions made my life so much easier… It’s not a power play for most LEOs. It’s just a “I wanna go home at the end of my shift” thing…

[@michaelwilkening8542]

Bet you also prefer being judged by 12 strangers than carried by 6 friends right?

[@janem3575]

for the most part, police are honorable people trying to keep our streets safe. I can see the unpredictability of people, and I've seen the videos where people just got ape shit crazy and get violent. why make their jobs harder? just be reasonable and polite

[@kirktennyson612]

This is true good advice When I was 20 I was taking a Date home when I was speeding a little over the limit, I was pulled over by a State Trooper I Did just what you advised even had my date put her hands on the top of the dash board as he walked up. I drove away with a warning I Do not remember how long he held us up but it was a very short time.

[@nonelost1]

Great video Steve! The part about putting hands on the wheel and turning the dome light on at night was especially helpful. In my 51 years of driving, I have been let off more often than written up by being cooperative rather than confrontational. I noticed you advised to ask permission to reach in your wallet for your license, RATHER THAN have your license in your hand already when the officer comes to your window. Would I be correct in guessing that if they see you reaching for anything, before, or while approaching your car, that could potentially lead to disaster?

[@SoloPilot6]

Don't make the cop wonder what you are doing. Reaching for something is a bad idea.

[@J.C...]

​@@SoloPilot6exactly. I turn my truck off, roll my window down, and hang my hands out of the window, over the window seal so there's no question what I'm doing. And they stay there the entire time until the officer asks for ID & insurance.

[@azdesertnews7563]

Thanks, I agree with everything you said and have had the same outcome. I also remain chill until its time to exercise my rights. Then “I don’t answer questions” !

[@rentalguy1]

I totally agree with how you handled the stop. There is nothing wrong with being initially polite and cooperative, because that can change if the officer escalates unnecessarily. I do want to know, however, if this was "that" officer who was bent on getting his felony stop for the month checked off and asked if you mind if he searched your vehicle, what would you have done?

[@JohnGrace-r9z]

I don't think that's nessary

[@glintinggold]

Excellent question!

[@gavinjenkins899]

saying where you came from when you don't need to, if you want, is not that big a deal, agreeing to a search is bonkers. You don't have to be rude about it though. "With all due respect, I think that is overly invasive and unnecessary here"

[@dieselXJ]

I agree 100% , this is the way my father raised me. In fact as a teen i was pulled over for doing 100 in a 40, dome light on window down ands on the wheel. I was very respectful and when he asked why I was speeding afyer a moment of thought I answered " stupidity ". I have never seen a cop smile so big and he let me go with a warning.

[@Excaliburt]

I've driven for years and rarely get tickets. I follow all of your guidelines. These days I am older and I'm one of those people you get stuck behind, so speeding is no longer an issue :)

[@wwflguy]

I agree wholeheartedly being polite is always the best option when dealing with a traffic stop especially. And most interactions with the law. Between the potential need to defend against a wrongful ticket and others bad driving. Plus with the cheap availability of dash cans I'd strongly advise everyone to have 1. Possibly or probably not to use at the roadside but definitely for use in court should it be needed to aid in your defense.

[@litebriteeyes]

I totally agree! I got pulled over for doing 41 in a 35 zone. I thought he was a jerk to lecture me for going with the commute traffic, but I bit my lip and apologized and even though he was grumpy, he let me go. Totally works to cooperate and keep your cool.

[@w8what575]

Yet they say if traffic is going a specific speed that u should as well to keep from causing accidents by impeding traffic that’s flowing..

[@temerring]

The last time I got pulled over was over 41 years ago. I was driving through the small town of Addison NY with my wife to be. I did nothing at all that I should have gotten pulled over for. Turns out the cop’s father was a very good friend of my wife’s father. He recognized my wife so he pulled us over just so we could visit at the side of the road.

[@Shango]

Nice! 😁

[@dixietenbroeck8717]

That officer's actions were STILL an abuse of his powers, *even though he intended no "mischief" toward you and your sweetheart.* *"BAD FORM!"* as they say "over the pond" in the UK.

[@CaryInVictoria]

@@dixietenbroeck8717 I couldn't agree more. The cop was wasting your time and his, and probably caused you and your passenger anxiety, however briefly. Very unprofessional.

[@urieldiaz6093]

More like the wife's father called his buddy to go scare you "My daughter is with who's kid?? Go get 'em!"

[@preachers4135]

Charming.

[@dangeary2134]

For the most part, I’ve always had the license, registration, and insurance card ready in my hand when they got up to the window. Helps a lot, I can tell you. The very last time that I got pulled over was in a big dump truck. One of my mirrors hit a branch on the way out of a quarry, and I didn’t notice until I was going down the road. I turned off the main road, and pulled over onto a wider part of the shoulder, well off the road. I didn’t realize that the trooper was back there until I clambered my way out of the cab. I’m getting a bit old, and I have to “unfold” myself whenever I get out of a cramped vehicle. I headed back to go around the truck, and here is a squad, and a portable scale car behind him! He said”I didn’t even turn my light on!” I said, “I didn’t even know you were back there!” I explained that my right-hand mirror was knocked out of line, and I needed to fix it. He asked what I was hauling, and I told him, and that because it was an “in-house” job, a light load, nowhere near capacity. Got him the scale ticket, registration, insurance and my CDL. He hobnobbed with the scale guy, and as I got done adjusting my mirror, he asked if I was up for an inspection. I said, “sure, but it was inspected about a month ago, and we take care of this old girl.” Bear in mind, this was a 1978 Mack truck. The wheels and tires were all good, all the lights worked, and the cab was clean, no garbage. The scale guy shook his head, and the trooper gave me back all the documentation, and sent me on my way. I guess he didn’t want to waste time on someone that obviously took good care of the vehicle!

[@jpnewman1688]

Who gave power and 💵 to the 🐑 🐕 🐕?? 😂😂

[@justme-n-gracie]

yeah reaching for anything including those documents before being confronted by the LEO has had a loaded cocked pistol aimed at my head quite a few times. The only things I reach slowly for is the interior light first then the window control then both hands in full view. BTW I typically have a firearm in the vehicle or on my person. Have not had a firearm aimed at me since adopting that policy. LEOs have an extremely difficult job and I don't want to make it harder unnecessarily and I don't want to get shot/killed over a traffic stop because of my actions and perhaps the officer having a tough day. You never know how their last stop went of if they just found out that their wife is cheating on them. But as Steve says: you do you... you will be the one dealing with the consequences of your choices. That's your right no matter the outcome.

[@C.Church]

They discourage getting all that stuff out while slowing or before the cop gets to the window. If you do it while pulling over you might veer. If you do it whoie the cop is still back there he now has to worry about what you're reaching for. Just put your hands on the wheel and do as Steve did. But I guess if you have all that stuff in your visoror a big rig container is blocking read view go ahead and be prepared. But in a car? Do as Steve did.

[@suedenim9208]

The problem with pulling your wallet out before they get there is 1. you probably won't have your seat belt on when they get to your window, and 2. if they can see you moving around it makes them nervous and then more inclined to want to search your vehicle.

[@JasonBoyce]

having my keys, drivers license and insurance/registration on the dashboard saved my life. i got pulled over one time, driving down a street with stop signs on every block, so clearly not speeding I turned on the dome light and rolled down the windows and had my hands on the driving wheel, and the cops came up screaming, put a gun to my head, one on the other side put a gun to my date's head, screaming "GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING KEYS!!!" and I reached to the dashboard and handed them over. Then he yells "GIVE ME YOUR FUCKING WALLET!" and I handed that over. He takes the keys and wallet and walks back to his car and another cop comes up and puts a gun to my head. I'm looking at my date and trying to keep her calm. At one point they threatened to paint the windshield with my brains if I moved A couple of minutes later, the first cop comes back, chucks my wallet and keys on my lap and says we can go. My car "matched the description" of one they were looking for. They were so worked up. My preparation kept me alive in a scenario when they were straight up ready to murder me. But I survived Get your stuff on the dashboard in advance, it could save your life

[@Blinknone]

Good advice. No reason not to be a decent human being unless/until the situation requires it. And a bit of respect and goodwill can go a looooong way.

[@nataliegrn17]

Police lights are amazing today! They are very good at preventing most people nearby from seeing well. If the goal is to make it distracting for drivers around them, then they're often effective.

[@jimschaefer7827]

I’m glad you told us you’re okay! You KNOW how we worry!😢

[@ShannonLandsberger]

I have twice ended up in lengthy discussion with highway patrol officers (years ago) about things not related to being pulled over (Holster preferences, martial arts, general hobby stuff). In both instances I left with a warning. Being friendly helps.

[@rogerguinn4619]

In eastern New Mexico, cops can get bored. I added 30 minutes to a drive there when I got pulled over for 85 in a 65. Got a warning, and a long discussion on backpacking and climbing. 2 cars went by during that time.

[@C.Church]

@@rogerguinn4619 Bored for sure. I knew an Army vet passing through behind a rural lonely area behind Ft Belvoir in VA. He came to a stop light that didn't change. He sat there for a long time so decided to proceed. Lights came on behind him. Well the MPs admitted they realized the lights were stuck. My friend is a nice guy and you can tell the minute you meet him. The MPs said he was free to go but asked if he wouldn't mind doing a field sobriety test for their own practice he chuckled and said OK and took it. Everyone was in a good mood. Chuckles all around. Bored cops for sure. Lol

[@frotoe9289]

I got pulled over once by a cop who asked me for directions. Wasn't like on the highway, it was in a 1000-acre park and apparently the cop got a call to go to "station 14" in the park and he had no idea where that was. So he quick-flicked the red+blues on and then off to ask if I knew. He pulled up alongside and rolled the window down and never got out. I suppose I could have made a federal case out of the illegal seizure. Or, you know, just be a normal human who bends and sways a little when the wind blows. He's just a guy who was lost.

[@barryallender8694]

Great point Steve. I was an officer over 20 yrs. The attitude of the driver means a lot. I never lectured at the roadside. I'd tell them what I observed asked if there was any reason why it happened. If they were cool I asked them to be careful and wished them a good day.

[@pamlemm903]

Shouldn't 'the law' mean a lot more to you as a law enforcement officer? I guess you truly are the feelings police and that even by your own admission! Smdh

[@barryallender8694]

The law is impartiality enforced but the officer has discretion of what to do. I always wanted to hear what the driver had to say unless something dangerous occurred.

[@ganggreen9012]

I was pulled over several years ago, 11 pm on my way to work, I made a right turn on red. I can't tell you if I signalled or not, I think I did, he said I didn't. Very similar story to yours, inside lights on, hands on the wheel and a calm conversation. Was given a warning and allowed to be on my way. A few days later it occurred to me that the car I was driving that night was a recently purchased, local used car, and I wondered if the small town police had a history with the previous owner.

[@riverraisin1]

You didn't use your turn signal? I'm surprised you weren't arrested for impersonating an officer! 😅

[@thompsonterry4804]

The advice is good, and usually works, but different circumstances play out in other ways. Long before your channel and probably long before you were a lawyer, Steve, I was pulled over. First of manytimes. I was polite, I was calm, I was dressed in a suit as I was on my way to work. I was ordered out of my car at gunpoint by a clearly nervous officer who was simultaneously screaming into his WT for backup. With three more cars and five of six officers now with guns drawn and pointed at me, I tried my best to remain calm. None would answer why I was pulled over. None would explain why I was being treated like a very dangerous person. After an hour on the sidewalk - much of that time with my arms in the air, I was warned about running a yellow light and there was some vague language of “fitting a description” which the officers did not elaborate on. They let me go about my business. No apology or anything. At the time I was under 140 pounds, average height, and I still am Black. I’m pretty sure assumptions and stereotyping were in play that day. It still happens now, thirty years later. Back then we didn’t have cameras and phones to document our interactions.

[@RICKYMUNDAY]

@thompsonterry4804 There is nothing like being shouted at and being given Instructions to follow that are not clear and seem to be conflicting orders given at the same time, talk about massive confusion and stressful burdens on the ordinary average person!!!

[@m16ty]

That was flat out wrong what they did, but I'm not so sure race played a part in that situation (if they actually were looking for somebody). If a black man fit the description of who they were looking for, I'm sure they weren't pulling over white women.

[@Shade01982]

Luckily, I've never had that happen, but it's definitely something I've seen happen to a friend. Sometimes, when a cop wants to do someone dirty, they will. No matter what.

[@LuckyCharms777]

I didn’t realize that 140 lb men of average height wearing a suit couldn’t be armed and dangerous. Thanks for letting me know. Now I won’t fear them if I’m ever walking down a dark alley after midnight in a bad neighborhood.

[@thompsonterry4804]

@@LuckyCharms777 work on your reading comprehension to understand context. The circumstances of morning commuter traffic and a “bad” neighborhood after midnight are just a little different, don’t you think?

[@glengeen75048]

Steve, love your channel. I have always done the same thing. When pulled over at night, hands on the wheel and turn on dome light. The last time was 2015, I think, when I missed my turn and changed lanes erratically. The county sheriff officer pulled me over and rightly so. I told my wife to be quiet, rolled down my window, turned off the radio, turned on all interior lights. After a brief and polite discussion with the officer he sent me on my way. He didn't even ask for the driver's license. Just wanted to check to make sure we were OK -- as he stated.

[@rnrpeg1]

SUCH a Michigander, mixing up your Eagles and Seger references. 😂🤣. Yer making me homesick!! lol

[@CarswithNash]

I’ve always chosen the polite route myself and even in the few cases where I had a less than friendly cop they still were easier on me than they could’ve been.

[@flyer617]

Whether you get pulled over a lot also depends on where you live. When I lived in NY state I would frequently get pulled over but when I moved to MA 15 years ago it has yet to happen (just watch, it will happen tomorrow). My driving really hasn't changed, and even in NY I hadn't gotten a ticket in many many years, just interesting to note the state-to-state variation. The change from routinely getting pulled over and then not is a huge quality of life improvement.

[@EvilVacuum]

When I lived in Omaha, I would get pulled over 1-2 times a year. Always lame things like going 4 over or a taillight out (it was never out). But here in Phoenix after 11 years I’ve only been pulled over once and I was speeding. Even when I go back to Omaha and rent a car I get pulled over, their last excuse was that I was driving a rental car and “there’s a lot of drug trafficking going on”. Not sure how that resulted in a valid excuse to pull me over.

[@MrMattDat]

Great video Steve and I can't agree with you more. Respect, good manners, a bit of humility and some common sense are all simple steps that can make interactions with ALL people better!

[@danishknight2798]

I agree, stay polite and state the facts of the event unless you have something to hide.

[@17h127]

I drive 30k miles a year and I occasionally get pulled over about once every 5 to 10 years. I follow this advice and I've yet to get a ticket in the USA.

[@LaSouthernGemini]

I am a former LEO and I can say you are 100% correct. I let so many 'things' slide when the driver and passenger(s) are polite, not shifty, and respect the situation. Notice I said respect the 'situation', not necessarily the officer but of course the officer is part of the situation. Now that I am not longer a LEO, I do exactly like you do; ask for permission to do anything while making eye contact with the officer and saying sir, ms, deputy, sgt, etc. It greatly helps the situation.

[@freethebirds3578]

I learned a long time ago that you can show respect to someone even when you don't feel it. It has kept me from getting fired by a rotten boss or immersed in workplace conflict. I try to teach that to my students so they can learn to minimize whatever trouble they get into. If they could learn to say yes, ma'am, no ma'am (sir, whatever) instead of trying to defend themselves with excuses, they would have much more time to have fun in life,

[@jamessimms415]

I was taught (unlike sooooo many these days) by my late Patents to say ‘Yes,Sir’, ‘No Sir’, & ‘Anything you say, Sir’ in these situations.

[@headwrinkle9896]

Thank you for admitting you were a terrible cop who operated under his feelings rather than the law. Not many men have the courage to admit they couldn't do their job properly

[@wrenchcat8508]

@@freethebirds3578 Courtesy. Courtesy is given, respect is earned. You can show someone courtesy without necessarily respecting them. Courtesy, at least to start, goes a long way to help yourself in most situations. Unfortunately, that distinction is not taught so much these days.

[@godsofourland95]

Thank you for admitting you were a tyrant who exerted judgment based on your emotions. Hope you are a better person now.

[@markquiram9012]

My father was a deputy sheriff for many years. I can tell you that if someone was polite like you were and he bumped into you when he wasn't on duty he would say hi and talk with you. He had so many bad experiences that he was grateful for people with whom he had good experiences.

[@sethfletcher3772]

When someone asserts they're right to remain silent, cop sometimes calls that a bad experience 😂😂😂😂

[@CaptainXJ]

ACAB

[@dper1112]

When a cop pulls you over, they're taking away your freedom and threatening to take your money or lock you up. That's disrespectful, and if you're gonna dish it out, don't complain when people throw it back at you.

[@capnskiddies]

I enjoy the correct construction of that last sentence

[@timelston4260]

@@capnskiddies +1

[@Strongman2474]

Steve I absolutely agree with you,I most definitely do the same thing it's respect.100%🎯👍

[@Alexvander10]

I agree with you. I am as polite and compliant as possible within reason when being pulled over and I normally get away with a warning. These officers risk their lives and the last thing they need is someone being "smart" with them or mouthing off.

[@jamesr1021]

Thank you! Some of the folks here that comment seem to invite trouble for themselves I am guessing and have a problem with authority figures. I’ve been driving for 45 years and every ticket I’ve gotten I have deserved. Never once have I been treated unfairly or in an “abusive” manner. Even one stop with a clearly expired tag by a Michigan State Trooper (with reputations for giving no slack) he was polite and understood the explanation with no further consequence. I get it, there’s going to be some rogue cops but, unless there’s evidence otherwise, I’d say the vast majority just want to do their job well and go home alive.

[@davidswanson640]

A few years ago, when I was living in Missouri, I heard a story of someone who worked for Modot, got pulled over in the front of the school. The officer asked him if he was aware that a school zone speed limit sign was put in. The guy embarrassingly replied something like " OH !! NO!! I put the sign in a couple days ago and forgot." The officer said, "It's Ok, we are only giving warnings for a couple weeks to let people to be aware of it."

[@LuckyCharms777]

Lol, now that’s a funny predicament.

[@KazeKitsune]

In most cases, law enforcement has determined whether or not they issue the ticket before they get out of the car in a traffic stop. That said, you are absolutely right about cooperating and asking permission. It makes the stop safer, smoother, and often sways them if they are on the fence. That said, you may not be able to talk yourself out of a ticket... but you certainly can talk yourself into one.

[@tabbycat8511]

It’s not about being obedient or even cooperative, but showing that you are not a threat - either to him or other drivers. People who don’t care about breaking laws (= “bad attitude”) can be counted on to continue breaking them.

[@davefredsberg2708]

Your method works up here in Canada too; I got pulled over a couple of weeks ago, and since I already knew how to be a decent person, I ended up just getting a warning for an otherwise $300 ticket and 3 points. Politeness and common courtesy are free but can save one SOOOO much money.

[@stevewest5397]

Pride comes with a high price. Humility pays for itself. I take the same approach as you do, Steve. Must be a Steve thing :) I've been pulled over 4 times in my 25 years of driving. The only time I got a ticket, it actually 'belonged' to my buddy's little brother. He was 14 at the time and didn't put on his seatbelt. Since he had no license, I got the ticket. He paid it. Being polite and cooperative with everyone (but especially those in authority) is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing.

[@jimbowling8528]

Popeye always said 'I always respects the law'. Good advice. And what's wrong with being polite and respectful? I worked in local government for 42 years, and I never met a cop I didn't like. They have a difficult job and they put their life on the line. Great video.

[@epochinfinitysedge5008]

I've got a story for you, about a stop. Decades ago, I was running late for my first day of work. I knew not to speed in the area, notorious for state and county police speed traps. It was just after sun up, with clear visibility. About a mile up the road, a car pulled out from a farm road, coming toward me. I couldn't identify it until it was closer, but I did take my foot off the accelerator when he first turned onto the road. Even so, I had a feeling, at that time of morning, it was likely one of two police unit cars. I also knew if it was a cop, they had recently all been equipped with newly funded speed radar. I knew by the time he was close enough to identify, while I had slowed to the speed limit, his radar had recorded the higher speed. As he made his U turn to get in behind me, I had already slowed down, signaled, and pulled over. As he pulled in behind me, that's when his lights came on. I followed your advice. By the time he got to my open window he was outright laughing! He was chuckling still as he asked for my license. Took a look at my CDL, and asked where the fire was. I was totally honest about my new job- NOT as a driver but as a warehouse clerk, at a place he was familiar with. That I over slept, as my alarm didn't go off, knew I shouldn't have.... He interrupted me saying, "Hey I get it. I'll be quick". He actually double timed back to his car. Within moments he came back. Handed me what was a warning ticket. He said he knew how stressful first days can be, that He'd hate to get a ticket only a couple miles from his house, told me to slow down, and get safely to work- past the other two camped along the way, and take care! Talk about an actual human being. I think about that to this day.