What Your Teenager Should Do If They Get Pulled Over In California

Have you talked about what your teenager should do if they get pulled over in California? It’s an important conversation to have.

Getting pulled over by the police can be a stressful and intimidating experience for anyone, but especially for teenagers who may not have much driving experience. So, it’s crucial that they know how to handle such situations calmly and safely.

Here’s what your teenager should do if they get pulled over in California:

1. Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely

When a police officer signals for your teenager to pull over, they should:

Stay Calm. Encourage your teenager to remain calm and composed. Panic can lead to mistakes and escalate the situation.
Find a Safe Spot. Instruct them to pull over to a safe location, such as the right side of the road, a parking lot, or a well-lit area if it’s dark. They should use their turn signal to indicate their intention to pull over.
Slow Down Gradually. Advise them to slow down gradually and come to a complete stop. Sudden movements can raise suspicion or concern for the officer.

2. Remain in the Vehicle and Provide Documentation

Once pulled over, your teenager should:

Stay in the Vehicle. They should remain seated in the car with their hands visible, preferably on the steering wheel. This shows the officer that they are not a threat.
Show Documentation. They should wait until the officer asks for their documentation before gathering their driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. It’s best for them to keep their hands visible as the officer approaches and to make slow, deliberate movements to gather the documentation once instructed to do so in order to avoid alarming the officer.

3. Communicate Respectfully

During the interaction with the officer, your teenager should:

Be Polite and Respectful. They should address the officer politely, using “sir” or “ma’am,” and answer questions respectfully. Respectful communication can help set a positive tone for the encounter.
Stay Honest. If the officer asks questions, it’s best to be honest and straightforward without admitting guilt when answering. Try to stick with simple “yes” or “no” answers. And always say “no” if asked, “Do you know why I stopped you?” If your teenager doesn’t know the answer, they should politely state that they are unsure.
Follow Instructions. Your teenager should follow the officer’s instructions carefully and avoid making sudden movements. If they need to reach for something, they should inform the officer beforehand.

4. Understand Their Rights

It’s important for your teenager to know their rights during a traffic stop. These rights include:

Right to Remain Silent. They have the right to remain silent if they choose. They can politely inform the officer that they are exercising this right by saying “I would like to remain silent” or something similar.
Right to Refuse a Search. In most cases, your teenager can refuse a search of their vehicle if the officer does not have probable cause or a warrant. They should clearly state their refusal but remain polite. For example, they can say “I do not consent to a search.”
Right to Request an Attorney. Your teenager can request to speak to an attorney before answering questions. If the situation escalates and your teenager is taken into custody, they have the right to request an attorney and should do so immediately.

5. Handling Tickets and Citations

If the officer issues a ticket or citation, your teenager should do the following:

Accept the Ticket Calmly. Your teenager should accept the ticket without arguing. They can contest the ticket later in court if they believe it was unjustified.
Sign the Ticket. Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt. It merely acknowledges receipt. Refusing to sign can lead to additional legal trouble.

6. What to Do After the Traffic Stop

After the traffic stop is over:

Drive Away Safely. Your teenager should wait until the officer indicates they can leave and then proceed safely.
Inform a Parent or Guardian. Encourage your teenager to inform you about the traffic stop, especially if they received a ticket or citation.
Consult a Criminal Defense Attorney. If your teenager believes they were treated unfairly or if the situation escalated, it may be wise to consult a criminal defense attorney like Mark Broughton for legal advice and guidance.

Contact Mark Broughton for a Free Consultation

Being pulled over can be a daunting experience, especially for young drivers. So make sure they’re prepared by discussing ahead of time what your teenager should do if they get pulled over in California. By staying calm, communicating respectfully, and understanding their rights, your teenager can navigate a traffic stop safely and responsibly.

However, if your teenager has encountered legal trouble during a traffic stop or received a citation, it’s crucial to seek professional legal advice.

Contact Mark Broughton for a free consultation to discuss the situation and explore your legal options. Mark will provide the necessary guidance to protect your teenager’s rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

Call 559-691-6222 or click here to use our convenient online form to get legal help today.