How to Conduct Yourself If Pulled Over by a Law Enforcement Official

The flashing lights of a police car in a rear-view mirror fill many drivers with dread. “Am I really being pulled over?” you might wonder. Although no one likes being stopped, it’s essential to

show the law enforcement officer that you’re cooperating. From the moment those lights come on, the officer begins an investigation and is observing your behavior—listening to what you say and don’t say. How you respond to questions can affect whether or not you receive a ticket.

•  As soon as you see those flashing lights behind you, turn on your right turn signal and pull over to the right as quickly—but safely—as possible.
  • Show the officer that you’re cooperating.
  • Stopping safely near the location of the alleged violation may also help you better understand what happened. You’ll be able to observe the area and possibly notice something helpful if you choose to contest the ticket—like an obstructed speed limit sign or a newly installed yield sign.
• Once you’ve safely pulled over, turn off the engine, roll your window all the way down, and place your hands on the steering wheel.
  • Do not get out of the truck unless the officer asks you to. If it’s dark, turn on your interior lights.
  • Avoid any sudden movements and don’t dig through your belongings for your wallet until the officer asks for your documentation. Stay calm and cooperative to avoid raising any concerns.
• The officer will likely ask for your driver’s license, medical certificate, vehicle registration, and access to your ELD data. It’s important to hand these over when asked, without questioning why.
  • If you’re pulled over by an unmarked car or aren’t sure if the person is an officer, it’s okay to wait to roll down your window until they’ve identified themselves.
• When speaking with the officer, do not admit guilt.
  • Keep your answers short—simple yes or no responses are fine. If the officer is going to give you a ticket, their mind is likely already made up, and arguing won’t help.
  • Anything you say can be used in court if you contest the ticket later, so be mindful. Never try to bribe an officer—it’s not only unethical, it’s a crime.
•  An officer can only search your truck if there’s probable cause to believe you’re hiding something illegal or if they believe you pose a danger.
  • Before approaching a vehicle, officers often look for movements like a shoulder dipping down—suggesting someone may be trying to hide something.
  • If asked to get out of the truck, cooperate. The officer may pat you down, and if something illegal or suspicious is found, a search may follow. If your truck is impounded, it can legally be searched as well.
• An officer may ask you to sign your ticket, but depending on the state, you might not be required to. Signing isn’t an admission of guilt—it just means you agree to pay the fine or appear in court.

Always follow the law and be a safe driver. But if you ever do receive a citation, stay smart about how you handle it—it could save you money and protect your career.

When you have a citation in your hand, what are your options? 

• Guilty Plea: You can choose to just pay the fine, which counts as a guilty plea, and move on—unless the judge requires you to appear in court.

• Not-Guilty Plea: You can plead not guilty and get a court date where you’ll have the chance to return and defend yourself.

• Ignore the Citation: You could ignore it and hope it goes away—but this is NOT recommended. Law enforcement will eventually catch up with you, your license may be suspended, and the fines will increase with added penalties.

What about the citation received during an inspection where the officer writing the citation is judge, jury, and executioner?

In that situation, you can do a DataQ Challenge, but you will need to provide all the documentation you can, as well as present your case. Know the regulations, as this will help you determine if you have a chance of fighting the violation. Whenever possible, cite regulations to substantiate your position. If you can convince the officer that he made a mistake, then he may remove or reduce the citation and the points on your CSA.

There is a driver shortage out there right now; however, a lot of that shortage is caused by carriers refusing to hire drivers with too many points on their CDL or CSA. You should do a DataQ Challenge on any inspection you receive where the officer puts points on your CSA that you disagree with.

Go to:

https://secure.login.gov/

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Driver Cheat Sheet

CVSA published this cheat sheet for carriers and drivers in preparation for this year’s Roadcheck. You can print it off as a handout for your drivers:

https://cvsa.org/wp-content/uploads/International-Roadcheck-Vehicle-Inspection-Cheatsheet.pdf

My driver has gone through a roadside inspection. How long do I have to keep this documentation on file?

Answer: Copies of all roadside inspections must be kept by the motor carrier for 12 months.

The driver is required to turn in the inspection report to the motor carrier within 24 hours. If they are not returning to the terminal, they must mail in the inspection.

If the inspection resulted in violations, those violations must be corrected or repaired, and the inspection form must be signed and certified to confirm that the repairs were completed. This signed form must then be sent back to the state where the inspection occurred within 15 days.

Best Practice Guidelines for Roadside Inspections:

• Train drivers how to complete a quality pre-trip inspection to reduce the possibility of violations.

• Review your CSA score monthly at: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx and enter your DOT number or company name.

• Review vehicle and driver basics along with associated inspections. Cross-reference the inspections you have on file with those turned in by drivers. Follow up with drivers who haven’t submitted inspection reports.

• Use the “Carrier History” tab in the Tools/Resource section on your homepage to track whether your number of inspections is increasing or decreasing.

• Review inspections and violations with your maintenance provider to reduce repeat violations.

• Maintain copies of inspections (with any attached repair orders, if violations occurred) in the tractor and trailer files.

• Use roadside inspection details (date, time, location) to cross-reference with driver logs and routes.

• Keep records of Hours of Service documentation in case of falsification violations.

• Train drivers on how to successfully pass a roadside inspection and how to conduct themselves during one.

• Keep your vehicles clean and well-maintained to avoid being targeted for inspection.

• Advise drivers that moving violations often trigger inspections.

• Consider offering an incentive to drivers who pass inspections without violations.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13–15. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, and through mobile patrols to verify compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. Data collected during the 72-hour Roadcheck period will be compiled and the results released later this summer.

Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a specific category of violations. For 2025, there are two focus areas:

• Tractor protection systems

• Alcohol and controlled substance possession

Controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the public. The number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) continues to increase. This concerning trend poses a serious threat to all motorists on North American roadways.

During the three-day initiative, inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is a comprehensive 37-step procedure. This includes an in-depth examination of vehicle components as well as driver documentation and regulatory requirements.