Security tips for cars/traffic stops

[Guest]

i agree with most of what was said however,
i dont treat cops like friends because they arent and the fact that we are paying taxes to have people give us tickets should not lead us to kindness. Therefore if you want to seem inconspicuous don't be scarred be pissed(im not saying yell at the guy/girl just show you are displeased)
just my opinion.

 

[Guest]

the bling:
i see you memorized that NORML video clip. THat clip is more of a sure way just to piss off the cop. It won't just be uick like that. He or she will hold you and lay as many fines as possible on your ass and charge you for the maximum speeding violation in most cases. I've learned the cop can pretty much say you were going any speed he feels like saying you were going (within reason). I had this once before where a cop told me i was going 73 when i know for a fact the highest i hit was 68 going down a hill and my cruise was on 65. I just played calm, polite, and straightforward. Told him that i was trying to make it home quicker and I shouldn't have been rushing, and i even lightly argued that I couldn't have possibly been going over 68. He dropped it to an overdue inspection because I was 1 day over. This was a cop known around town for being an asshole too.

Another case I was on my way back up north coming from a southern state on my way back from spring break with a friend. I passed an undercover cop at 90 in a 65. Only had a little on me and it was well hidden in a bag of clothes in my trunk. Cop basically told me he thought i might be running drugs (probably to try to scare me) I have really squinty eyes too so he asked me if i had been smoking any mari JA wanna (hard not to laugh there but i held back). He had me step out of the car after taking my lisence and registration. He questioned me on the side of the interstate for no less than a half hour. my alibi was the truth, and matched my passenger's alibi when he asked us separately. He lectured me about how he ws tired of catching people running drugs and asked if i had anything in the trunk. I denied. He asked why i was so nervous. I said because i knew if i got a big ticket i wouldn't be able to afford my insurance anymore and id have to sell my car. He asked me if he could search my car and I bluffed and told him yes, as long as he put everything back when he was done because the car was packed up with bags and stuff. He kept tryin to see if i was gonna cave, asking if the title holder of the car might have left some drugs in there, "just in case he found them he would know they weren't mine" , if he brought a k9 unit would they find anything. I just told him "not that i know of sir, you can search it all you want" at this point he gave me my lisence and registration back, I asked him if I was free to go and he told me yes. I made him pull out before me so he couldn't pull me right back over (if he pulled out behind and followed). I got off with 11 over (instead of 35 over).

if i had been holding more weed i might not have bluffed. I figured even if he found a gram he might not do anything and if i denied the search i was screwed anyway since we were pretty much in a big city with k9 units. just my stories, thought id share.

o yea, i alllllways dig around for my registration, if you have a hard time finding it, that lets them know u don't get pulled over much or expect a ticket. Hands on the wheel, interior lights on, all windows down, keys on the passenger seat, if empty, only after asking officer if its ok to remove them from the ignition. Thats another thing i do, ask permission to do EVERYTHING or tell the officer step by step what you're doing. example: officer, my registration is in my glove compartment, is it ok for me to get it out now?" officer: yes me: i am just going to grab my registration now, i may have to dig around to find it. I evern ask if I can roll down my windows when its dark out, just so the cop doesn't think im stashing something. They watch you while they're pulling u over to see if you do anything drastic or sudden

thats all i got for now

 

[Jam Master Jaco]

Uhh, Brain...good story? If you were up three days straight on a meth binge then you probably looked like a....wait for it.....TWEAKER! That's super cool that the cop didn't search you because you said no to a search, but I'll bet a few bucks that if there is any sympathy coming from a cop a weed smoker would get more sympathy then a tweaker.

 

[ItsGrowTime]

If you had a beer you can bet a sober officer is going to be able to smell it, fess up and do the tests and hope you pass as its better than lying to the guy when he can tell the obvious.

Just thought Id add that if you've had a "few" (heh) beers to NEVER submit to ANY tests! No roadside sobriety tests, no breath, no blood, no nothing! Dont admit drinking and dont take any tests. One beer or so is ok but if you have to question one tiny bit whether you will pass the tests perfectly dont take them. Its better to get the administrative license suspension than a DWI. Some places have a zero tolerance law where any alcohol in your system can get you charged with DUI/DWI. And cops will lie about your test results so don't give them the chance.

 

[OLPWebmaster]

Hey y'all,

My older brother is a sargeant in a big-city police force. Don't worry, he's a good guy. (though he knows *NOTHING* about my "hobby" LOL) He said that the day he retires he's going to smoke a joint; he's got 9 years to go! Anyway, he's shared numerous stories with me of traffic stops and how they can go wrong, so I figured that I'd do a small write-up of what I've heard from him. Here goes:


*Check ALL lights on the car before leaving!
Have a friend walk around the car while you sit inside, turning on headlights, parking lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. If you have auxillary lights, such as fog lamps, and one is burnt out, turn the other one off! They're not necessary for travel, and while you can't get pulled over for a burnt-out fog light, the asymmetry of your light pattern WILL be noticed by the cops. Driving with a broken reflector, even if the bulb works, is STRONGLY DISCOURAGED!

*Make sure that you have no outstanding warrants or reasons for you to be taken into custody if you are detained and your name is run through the computer.

*Obey ALL rules of the road and traffic signals. Resist the urge to blast Cypress Hill at 120 db. Duh!

*IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER:

*Stop IMMEDIATELY. Cops don't like it if you keep driving, even if it's for a little bit. ONLY continue driving if there is no safe place to pull over where you currently are.

*Take your keys out of the ignition, roll down your window, and PUT YOUR KEYS ON THE ROOF OF YOUR CAR. This will reassure the cop that you don't have your foot on the gas and your hand on the gearshift, waiting to floor it.

*Keep your hands on the steering wheel or otherwise in view of the cop AT ALL TIMES! AT ALL TIMES! AT ALL TIMES! You know who YOU are and what you are capable or not capable of doing. A cop who pulls you over, especially at night, has no such reassurances. Unfortunately, for any cop their next traffic stop may be their last. Their threat/response level is in overdrive when they pull anybody over, since people have gunned down cops during a traffic stop in broad daylight. You want to do everything you can to assuage the cop that you are not a threat to them.

****Keep your registration, license, and insurance in your driver's side visor****
When the cop asks, it's a matter of flipping down your visor and handing them these items in one fell swoop. FACT: while drunks and stoners are FUMBLING AROUND IN THEIR GLOVE COMPARTMENT, CENTER CONSOLE, ETC., THE COPS ARE TAKING A DETAILED VISUAL INVENTORY OF THE INSIDE OF THEIR CAR!!!!
I can't stress this point enough! You don't want to give them time to stand there and stare inside your car!!!!

*Keep all incriminating items in the trunk of your car! DO NOT SMOKE IN THE CAR AT ANY TIME!!!!! Keep your ashtrays free of roaches or telltale ashes!

*If you're traveling with companions, MAKE SURE YOUR ALIBIS MATCH! Ships have been sunk SO MANY TIMES by people who are acting nervous and whose stories don't match each other's.

*Lastly, BE COURTEOUS, POLITE, and RESPECTFUL. The proper salutation is "Officer" or "Sir." Although some cops may not be "Sirs" you have to show them respect! So many people DON'T, that when the select few DO, the cops will oftentimes return that respect to you. Kill them with kindness, because they almost never experience that (through fault or no fault of their own) If you DID roll through a stop sign, fail to use a turn signal, ADMIT IT! Admit it, and APOLOGIZE! The line that's NEVER failed me is "I'm sorry, Officer; I realize I did not make a full stop. You have every right to give me a ticket, and I apologize." NEVER ONCE have I received a ticket when I am polite, contrite, and calm. If you're humble and cooperative, your chances for driving away in one piece are greatly increased.

I hope this info can be of use to people here. If anyone can think of anything that I missed, please feel free to post a reply.

Stay safe and sound, people!
Fat A

I agree with everything you said in your post. The "Only Thing" that I would change is the part of Placing your Car Keys on top of the car roof. Take them out of the ignition Most deffinately, But still keep them "In Your Possession" at all times. You don't want them to have your "Keys" which will help "Prevent Them" from saying accessing your Cars Trunk, Or other locked up area's. of you car.

& Politeness Will Always Make Things "End Up Going Easier" for everyone during the roadside Cop Stop.

Stay Calm, Stay Always Polite, & You should be "Back Crusing In Your Car" shortly

Chris/OLP

 

[welgill]

The Bling is absolutly correct. Regardless of what the ythink of you if you give up your rights even a little bit then they will walk over you like a you werent even there.

I was pulled over coming home one night from a friends. I was high but not goofy. as soon as he walked to the truck I rolled my window down a crack he asked for liscence and registration and as i handed to him asked why i was pulled over. He said i was going 70 in a 55. I said I am sorry to disagree officer but my spedometer was at 55. He told me his radar had just been calibrated. I told him I have over 1.5 million miles under my belt I KNOW how fast I was going its all I have ever done was drive. He walked back checked warrents and let me go saying he wouldnt mess up my commercial liscence this time. That is just a glimps of what they will do. LIE LIE LIE LIE LIE.
Since then I have begun carrying a disposable camera that has date time stamp and as soon as i see a cop i snap a cpl pics a cpl sec apart of my dash lets see them get through a lie like speeding in a court when I have film

The whole point of this ramble is NEVER EVER EVER give up your rights dont put your keys in an accesable place like your roof it could be seen as permission to search. NEVER roll your window all the way down unless specificly asked to. NEVER consent to a search make them bring the dogs and the whole 9 yards if your going to be busted make them work for it the more steps they must take the more chances for a procedural screwup you can use in court.
Always be respectfull but remember they are TRAINED TO LIE TO YOU.

 

[Habibi]

Line that never fails

"i am truely sorry for whatever it is that i have done officer, forgive me but im not thinking clearly as my girlfriend of 6 years left me today."

my buddy did this not to long ago with me in the car, i had to hold back my laughter, he did it with such emotion, and was let off with a warning for speeding.

relating with them is the best

 

[Verite]

Heres the ACLU's take on the subject.

http://www.aclu.org/police/gen/14528res20040730.html

 

[Guest]

I had a cop roomate and she told me even if you only had one beer 6 hours ago,never admit to it because they have a protocol they have to follow.

If you are going to drive, then be sober, no worries then. I am often the designated driver.

Don't drive intoxicated. Don't smoke in your car. Common Sense.

If you have to carry herb then do it in broad daylight obeying all traffic laws.

No one would suspect that I am a grower and I like it that way. I recently met someone who grows quantity and she looks like a soccer mom with a minivan from the suburbs. You would NEVER know.

 

[Verite]

I... I recently met someone who grows quantity and she looks like a soccer mom with a minivan from the suburbs. You would NEVER know.

Crap, my covers been blown.

 

[krustytheclown]

My 2 cents:

Do not place your keys on top of your roof when pulled over. As mentioned before, it'll look like you are experienced being pulled over.

It probably isn't a good idea to have you registration and insurance available in just a couple of seconds. Again, it looks like you expect to get in trouble and like you have experience in dealing with the cops. Instead, make sure you have to dig through your wallet/purse for your insurance and driver's license.

Definitely keep you hands on the steering wheel at all times unless you are getting your "papers" to hand to the officer.

Don't reach around, or fidget when you are getting pulled over or are pulled over. DON'T reach under the seat EVER.

As said before, if you're going to drive with contraband in the car, keep it in the trunk and drive sober.

Also, if you're going to drive with contraband, dress decently: khakis, golf shirt, etc. Also, do not have music playing when you get pulled over, or have it very quietly. Make sure it's some stupid easy-listening crap, too. Playing death metal at full blast when the cop is trying to talk to you is pretty dumb.

Don't use radar detectors. It pisses them off and they will definitely give you a ticket.

Make sure you have completely turned off the car and it is in park once you have been pulled over.

Never take off your seatbelt. Even if you have to move around to get your license/registration/insurance. Only take it off if you get out of the car. A common bullshit tactic is for you to get pulled over, the cop asks for your license, and you take off your seatbelt to get you wallet. The cop could then lie and say you idn't have your seatbelt on and give you a ticket.

Be courteous and look them in the eye when you are talking to them.

NEVER ask them to repeat a question. People do that only when they are trying to think of a lie to tell. Cops know this. Watch an episode of "Cops". It's on tonight. You'll see what I mean.

 

[Guest]

I don't care what anybody says, I am NEVER admitting to doing something wrong when a cop stops me. Might as well SHOOT ME, cuz I am NOT admitting SHIT!!

Be nice? Hmm...be nice to people who are looking to ticket you, fine you, or jail you???

Not a concept I will ever understand.

Play nice till piggy goes away....most plausible idea I've heard yet.

I hear the "they are just human too" but then I think...."they are just humans that like fucking with other humans, how noble".........

Guess it's just me.....

 

[markopolis]

i've been pulled over numerous times, and the cops in my town are all cocks with something to prove, so intimidation isn't really that to me.

if i'm about to drive and beforehand i light one up, i always smoke a dart at the same time [odor 'coverup'] and pay attention to the wind cause if it's blowing away from you, your clothes won't sell AS bad
also it's mainly your hands that smell, unless you're hot boxing your car. give them a wash, maybe smoke another dart (if you have chosen to take that path in your life) and rock the visine when needed

i'm from Canada, but as far as my encounters go, the cops will grab your balls everytime before they ask you to take off your shoes. have you ever been asked to take off your shoes? it's a money move around here, and i'm not saying it'll work everytime. but take the steps you feel necessary to remain from being someones wifey in prison
and if you're really paranoid, put it in your sock on the bottom so even if they ask you to take off your shoes, they won't ask for your socks
and if they do...we'll you got pulled over by captain america and you can't really do much against his thirst for justice!


the worst thing i see that happens when people see the flashing popo lights behind them is freak out, and claim that they are "fucked". you're not fucked until you're driving...in the back of the cruiser
stay in a frame of mind that you've done nothing wrong and that you're not endangering those around you
people always are too cooperative or just straight up an emotional mess
they're cops for a reason, it's not too hard or takes an inordinate amount of intelligence
but maybe i'm just jaded

 

[SomeGuy]

Good original post with some good info BUT....

Around here if you put the keys on the roof you are asking for trouble. Only situation I would consider that move is if they were hiding behind the cruiser with guns drawn and ordering me out of the car. Remember, you are a law abiding citizen so don't act like a criminal and they shouldnt treat you like one.

NEVER admit to anything. When they pull you over and ask you, " Do you know how fast you were going?" This is the start of the evidence collection process and whatever you say can and will be used against you. Do not give them the tools to convict you of anything no matter how minor. Instead politely say "I thought I was doing the speed limit." or if you were way over the limit, just shrug and smile and say nothing.

 

[mr.niceguy]

great great info tnx so much

 

[markopolis]

usually when the copper asks me if i know how fast i was going, i answer yes!
then start talking on my cell phone obnoxiously