Lots of people go their entire lives without getting arrested. Getting pulled over is a far more frequent occurrence.
Have you ever been pulled over for something silly and thought you could have avoided it? Read this list to prepare for your next trip in the car, even if it’s only around town.
Here are the top nine things a police officer might pull you over for.
9. Making Eye Contact
Don’t make eye contact as you drive by a police car. They are more likely to notice you, and you will be more susceptible to those red lights.
You’ve probably heard that liars avoid eye contact, looking up and to the right if they have something to hide. You may think if you’re driving with a suspended license you should try to make eye contact (If you are- check it out). Believing they won’t think you’re hiding something if you do.
It doesn’t matter whether you aren’t supposed to be driving or you have something in the car you shouldn’t. Making eye contact isn’t helpful if you want to avoid a traffic stop. If they notice you noticing them, it could be their reason for finding a reason to stop you.
8. Driving A Beater
Any time you drive a beat-up car, there is a higher possibility that you will get pulled over. A police officer notices loud mufflers, cracked windshields, and other damage more easily than they notice newer, better-maintained vehicles.
Taking care of your car can help you avoid getting one-on-one time with a police officer. Routine maintenance is easy to do. Try these easy DIY car service tasks:
- Wash the car
- Wax the car
- Change headlight and taillight bulbs
- Change windshield wipers
- Fill wiper fluid
- Change the oil or get an oil change
- Properly inflate tires
7. Driving A Bright Car
Bright colors attract attention. Any car that is yellow, red, or bright blue will attract more notice, including that of police officers.
If you’ve decided it’s time to buy your dream sports car, take a look at a darker color like black as an option. If decide to buy the flashy color, at least you’re aware that it may gain the wrong kind of attention.
6. Driving Out of State
Out of state license plates definitely attract attention, especially from police officers. There isn’t too much you can do about an out of state license plate when you have to go on a road trip. At least be aware that you may attract attention.
You can pay more attention to speed limits, red lights, and other traffic laws so you don’t give them a reason to pull you over.
5. Playing Loud Music
Many cities, townships, or counties have ordinances against playing loud music. Remember when Ren gets pulled over in Footloose? That happens in real life all the time.
Keep your stereo at a reasonable volume. You’ll have a better chance of avoiding the sirens chasing you down the road.
4. Speeding
You’ve heard the saying, “Under nine, you’re fine. Over nine, you’re mine.” Well, if you’re looking to avoid a traffic stop, it’s better to follow the speed limits.
Rather than hoping a police officer isn’t scanning you with their radar to see if you’re nine or ten miles per hour over the limit, slow down a little. If you have to, set the cruise control to help you maintain a slower speed limit.
3. Having Tinted Windows
It’s important to some drivers to have privacy. Whether you actually have any nefarious plans is irrelevant. It’s just that you like to know other people can’t see what you’re doing.
Regardless of your feelings about being watched, tinted windows are a big draw for police officers. They assume you are hiding something behind the darkness.
A big reason for getting pulled over is tinted windows on the vehicle. Before getting tint installed reconsider the implications it will have on your driving.
2. Not Wearing A Seat Belt
More and more states are cracking down on seat belt laws for safety’s sake. For this reason, police officers receive training to look for the absence of a belt.
Since you know they will be looking, you can avoid getting pulled over by buckling up before you get on the road. Make sure your passengers are also buckled up. Not only will it keep everyone safe during the drive but also give you peace of mind that you’re avoiding a traffic stop and hefty fines.
1. And The Number One Reason You Might Be Getting Pulled Over…
The number one reason you might be getting pulled over is distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2016 alone there were over 3400 deaths because of it.
Cell phone use, including both talking on the phone and texting while driving, is the biggest one. But distracted driving also includes things like eating while driving, smoking, and other actions that occupy your hands.
Even hands-free technology like the old Bluetooth headsets or newer Bluetooth car link can be distracting. If your mind is focusing on something else, you are less inclined to pay attention to what’s happening on the road. Here are some tactics to try to avoid distracted driving:
- Give your phone to the passenger in the front seat to text or call for you
- Text someone you’re having a conversation with before you drive away to let them know you won’t respond for the next few minutes
- Hail a taxi or an Uber
- Put your phone in a purse or other location that you can’t reach while driving
- Don’t go through the drive-through lane; instead, get out and go inside to stretch your legs and avoid eating while driving
- If you must talk on the phone, ask Siri or Google to place the call for you, instead of dialing yourself
Looking for More?
Now that you know how to avoid getting pulled over, you’re ready for your next road trip. Along the way, avoid distracted driving and anything that might draw attention to your car. Make sure you and your passengers wear your seat belts.
Even if you do get pulled over, you can’t get a ticket for a bright yellow car. As long as you follow the laws, having extra attention won’t get you every time.
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