When a cop pulls you over and asks why he pulls you over, is it better to play dumb or be aware?

Question

Do you get more cop points for being aware? 🤔

When a cop pulls you over and asks why he pulls you over, is it better to play dumb or be aware?

Updates:

17 h

It is very fun to read every one's opinion. I really should have made this a poll 😂

Answer 1

TheorionMage

Xper 6

I am NOW speaking as a retired cop.

DO NOT KID yourself. There IS a game of 'cat & mouse' fishing expedition begun.
The ONLY 'correct answer' IS: "Why 'no' Officer, how may I help you?"

If at night, turn on YOUR dome light, keep your hands upon the steering wheel and turn off your motor, until told by the Officer to do otherwise, Make NO sudden gestures that COULD BE misconstrued! (Furtive movements).

IF you ARE legally armed, VOLUNTEER this information. Again, wait until the Officer tells you HOW he wants you to reveal its location and WHERE your lawful carry permit can be found (if your state requires one). Nothing 'stupid'.

You and they are BOTH human and your both's anxiety levels are NOW elevated. BREATHE!
EVERYONE HERE wants to 'go home today' uninjured~

ANY unrequested (volunteered) information CAN theoretically establish the Officer's 'Probable Cause' to
REQUIRE you to step out of the vehicle AND possibly BE HANDCUFFED and nominally patted-down ostensibly checking for weapons, 'for the Officer's safety' ... and trigger a search your vehicle for contraband IN PLAIN SIGHT, (NOT locked gloveboxes or trunks.)

Keep YOUR verbal responses brief and to the point, AND respectful. He/she has the gun AND the legal excuse to to 'end' you if you choose self-righteous antagonistic sarcasm, although the Officer's body camera is YOUR friend!

If you BOTH do what's required, it bears unquestionable 'witness' of LAWFUL investigation.

JKingOff

17 h
The truth is that you really don't have to tell him anything. That is your right. If the car is under your name then they would have to get a warrant in order to force you to step out, and that could take all day at least. the bottom line is that if they're just pulling you over for a routine checkup then there's absolutely no reason for them to pull you over. Best not to say anything. Make sure that you bring out your cell phone and record the entire encounter from start to finish. Remember the only four words you have to say are "I don't answer questions". Be smart and don't volunteer any information, ever.
WindAtMyBack

17 h
"IF you ARE legally armed, VOLUNTEER this information"

I got pulled over once and had a gun stuffed between the front seats. I was out of state so they wanted me to follow them to the court and pay the fine on the spot, which I did. As we left the court one cop said he wanted to search the car for signs that it was stolen ( I had just bought the car. I had a signed title and bill of sale but hadn't transfered it yet.). When he said he was going to search the car, I told him about the gun.

Everything was cool. They put the gun in the trunk. They told me that if I had not told them about the gun they would have arrested me for concealed weapon.
JKingOff

17 h
First of all you didn't have to follow them anywhere least of all to the courts. Second of all if you don't give them permission to search your vehicle then they have to get a warrant and in order to get a warrant they need to be looking for something specific. So in other words this whole mess was because you couldn't keep your mouth shut and simply just say four simple words "I don't answer questions." Fifth amendment people, look it up. there is nothing illegal about those circumstances and they took full advantage of you. You have the right to bear arms, the right to bear arms does not mean that you have to carry openly. If you're really that worried about it there is such a thing as a concealed weapons permit. You have the right to remain silent and I recommend that you use it. Always record your encounters with the police from start to finish because that will level the playing field. Otherwise you were at their mercy on whether or not they decide to release the videos from their body cams. Your car is your personal property and they cannot legally search it without your consent unless they have a warrant. Also, because your car is your personal property you have the right to stay in it even if they tell you to step out of the car. On top of all of that when they asked to see your license and registration you don't need to hand it to them. All you need to do is show it to them. 1 in of clearance is all you legally need to give them when you open your window.
Show All Show Less
JKingOff

16 h
Want to try it out? Let's do some roleplay. You be the cop and I'll be the guy you pull over. You're at the window and I'm already holding my cell phone and recording you. Go!
WindAtMyBack

16 h
@JKingOff

I had no reason to hide anything from them. I had no reason not to follow them to the court. I'm quite certain that it worked out better the way I did it than if I had acted like a dick and refused to cooperate. It escalates things for no reason.

I've had many dealings with the cops, including a number of arrests. I make a judgment call when to keep my mouth shut. If they ask "Who did you buy it from?" they aren't getting shit.

Those cops were going to search my car whether I gave them permission or not. They would have found the gun whether I gave them permission or not. If they found it, I would have been in jail instead of on my way home. If the court later let me off the hook because the cops didn't have probably cause, it doesn't change the fact that I spent some time in jail awaiting trial instead of going home.

When you cooperate and chit chat with the cop, you are playing the odds. You could potentially say something that's used against you. But unless you say something REALLY stupid, the odds are that you're better off being the guy that helps lower the tension, and has a friendly chit chat. Because the next guy the cops meets might be a total ass. I'm going to treat the cop like a human, not like he's the enemy, and the only thing I can give him is name rank and serial number.
JKingOff

16 h
It's not about having a reason to hide anything. It's about exercising your rights. And it's about them having to have a reason to pull you over in the first place. If they don't then it's just harassment.
Not_Average

6 h
@JKingOff If they see something in plain sight, smell something suspicious, or find you to be under the influence, they can detain you and search your vehicle. Depends on what state of course
JKingOff

6 h
Look the law is the law. If the car is in your possession and registered under your name if they don't have your permission they cannot enter or search it without a search warrant. If there is a real reason for them to be pulling you over and talking to you they will invest the time and energy to get the warrant. If they're just pulling you over to rub some dirt on you we'll bust your chops then they're not going to bother spending most of the day trying to get a warrant to harass you. Once again know you're rights. "I do not answer questions" that's all you got to say. Don't incriminate yourself. Record the entire encounter and make sure that they do their job properly. Otherwise it's their word against yours with no proof. The last person you should trust to give you real information on how law enforcement officers operate is a current or former law enforcement officer. do the research for yourself and don't take other people's words for it. It's literally in the Constitution. You can look it up. Hell you can even YouTube it. YouTube "How to get rid of police with four easy words". Seriously guys it's not a brain buster. You can do it!
Not_Average

6 h
@JKingOff The law can be very flexible at times. Lawyers wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t. Law enforcement tactics are typically discretion based. There’s tools cops can use to get what they want out of a situation. For example, look into casual encounter laws. Just thought I’d chime in. I worked as a former sheriffs deputy. Not trying to fight you, but rather bring you some insight.
JKingOff

6 h
Of course, and I completely agree with you. You have to account for the human element, and you have to understand that not everyone that wears a badge has the greater good at heart. There are those few people that are essentially wolves and sheep's clothing. I completely agree with you that not all law enforcement are enherently good or bad. The fact of the matter is that the laws are put into place to protect people in circumstances where you do get someone who doesn't uphold the integrity that they're badge would indicate. Stating that you don't answer questions is not the same as refusing to cooperate or being combative, or even having something to hide. It is you letting the other person know that you fully understand that you have the right to remain silent. it's that right that grants you the ability not to give them anything that they could use against you because anything you say regardless of the intentions behind it can and will be used against you in a court of law. As you stated before, the laws can be very flexible and so can the lawyers that enforce them along with the law enforcement officers. Always know you're right! Always record your encounters!!! It's that simple.

Answer 2

JKingOff

The truth is that you really don't have to tell him anything. That is your right. If the car is under your name then they would have to get a warrant in order to force you to step out, and that could take all day at least. the bottom line is that if they're just pulling you over for a routine checkup then there's absolutely no reason for them to pull you over. Best not to say anything. Make sure that you bring out your cell phone and record the entire encounter from start to finish. Remember the only four words you have to say are "I don't answer questions". Be smart and don't volunteer any information, ever.

Answer 3

WindAtMyBack

"IF you ARE legally armed, VOLUNTEER this information"

I got pulled over once and had a gun stuffed between the front seats. I was out of state so they wanted me to follow them to the court and pay the fine on the spot, which I did. As we left the court one cop said he wanted to search the car for signs that it was stolen ( I had just bought the car. I had a signed title and bill of sale but hadn't transfered it yet.). When he said he was going to search the car, I told him about the gun.

Everything was cool. They put the gun in the trunk. They told me that if I had not told them about the gun they would have arrested me for concealed weapon.

Answer 4

JKingOff

First of all you didn't have to follow them anywhere least of all to the courts. Second of all if you don't give them permission to search your vehicle then they have to get a warrant and in order to get a warrant they need to be looking for something specific. So in other words this whole mess was because you couldn't keep your mouth shut and simply just say four simple words "I don't answer questions." Fifth amendment people, look it up. there is nothing illegal about those circumstances and they took full advantage of you. You have the right to bear arms, the right to bear arms does not mean that you have to carry openly. If you're really that worried about it there is such a thing as a concealed weapons permit. You have the right to remain silent and I recommend that you use it. Always record your encounters with the police from start to finish because that will level the playing field. Otherwise you were at their mercy on whether or not they decide to release the videos from their body cams. Your car is your personal property and they cannot legally search it without your consent unless they have a warrant. Also, because your car is your personal property you have the right to stay in it even if they tell you to step out of the car. On top of all of that when they asked to see your license and registration you don't need to hand it to them. All you need to do is show it to them. 1 in of clearance is all you legally need to give them when you open your window.

Answer 5

JKingOff

Want to try it out? Let's do some roleplay. You be the cop and I'll be the guy you pull over. You're at the window and I'm already holding my cell phone and recording you. Go!

Answer 6

WindAtMyBack

@JKingOff

I had no reason to hide anything from them. I had no reason not to follow them to the court. I'm quite certain that it worked out better the way I did it than if I had acted like a dick and refused to cooperate. It escalates things for no reason.

I've had many dealings with the cops, including a number of arrests. I make a judgment call when to keep my mouth shut. If they ask "Who did you buy it from?" they aren't getting shit.

Those cops were going to search my car whether I gave them permission or not. They would have found the gun whether I gave them permission or not. If they found it, I would have been in jail instead of on my way home. If the court later let me off the hook because the cops didn't have probably cause, it doesn't change the fact that I spent some time in jail awaiting trial instead of going home.

When you cooperate and chit chat with the cop, you are playing the odds. You could potentially say something that's used against you. But unless you say something REALLY stupid, the odds are that you're better off being the guy that helps lower the tension, and has a friendly chit chat. Because the next guy the cops meets might be a total ass. I'm going to treat the cop like a human, not like he's the enemy, and the only thing I can give him is name rank and serial number.

Answer 7

JKingOff

It's not about having a reason to hide anything. It's about exercising your rights. And it's about them having to have a reason to pull you over in the first place. If they don't then it's just harassment.

Answer 8

Not_Average

@JKingOff If they see something in plain sight, smell something suspicious, or find you to be under the influence, they can detain you and search your vehicle. Depends on what state of course

Answer 9

JKingOff

Look the law is the law. If the car is in your possession and registered under your name if they don't have your permission they cannot enter or search it without a search warrant. If there is a real reason for them to be pulling you over and talking to you they will invest the time and energy to get the warrant. If they're just pulling you over to rub some dirt on you we'll bust your chops then they're not going to bother spending most of the day trying to get a warrant to harass you. Once again know you're rights. "I do not answer questions" that's all you got to say. Don't incriminate yourself. Record the entire encounter and make sure that they do their job properly. Otherwise it's their word against yours with no proof. The last person you should trust to give you real information on how law enforcement officers operate is a current or former law enforcement officer. do the research for yourself and don't take other people's words for it. It's literally in the Constitution. You can look it up. Hell you can even YouTube it. YouTube "How to get rid of police with four easy words". Seriously guys it's not a brain buster. You can do it!

Answer 10

Not_Average

@JKingOff The law can be very flexible at times. Lawyers wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t. Law enforcement tactics are typically discretion based. There’s tools cops can use to get what they want out of a situation. For example, look into casual encounter laws. Just thought I’d chime in. I worked as a former sheriffs deputy. Not trying to fight you, but rather bring you some insight.

Answer 11

JKingOff

Of course, and I completely agree with you. You have to account for the human element, and you have to understand that not everyone that wears a badge has the greater good at heart. There are those few people that are essentially wolves and sheep's clothing. I completely agree with you that not all law enforcement are enherently good or bad. The fact of the matter is that the laws are put into place to protect people in circumstances where you do get someone who doesn't uphold the integrity that they're badge would indicate. Stating that you don't answer questions is not the same as refusing to cooperate or being combative, or even having something to hide. It is you letting the other person know that you fully understand that you have the right to remain silent. it's that right that grants you the ability not to give them anything that they could use against you because anything you say regardless of the intentions behind it can and will be used against you in a court of law. As you stated before, the laws can be very flexible and so can the lawyers that enforce them along with the law enforcement officers. Always know you're right! Always record your encounters!!! It's that simple.

Answer 12

Not_Average | 409 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 6

Play dumb. As a former cop, I can tell you the reason we ask this is so that you possibly admit to something we didn’t see.

locutus9999

3 d
wow... good info...

Answer 13

locutus9999

wow... good info...

Answer 14

JackSmy | 1.2K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Best to go with the "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY!" thing!!
If it is night, I turn the dome light on, and keep my hands on the wheel, in plain sight.
I address them as "officer" or "sir" or "ma'am" ALWAYS.
Answer their questions, and stay with Yes/NO, if you can. Never offer details of where you are going, why, or what you might have with you!!
When they ask for your driver's license, I tell them it is in my wallet, in my back, right pocket, and I MOVE VERY SLOWLY, keeping my left hand in plain site, on the wheel!
When they ask for registration, I tell them it is in the glove box, and MOVE VERY SLOWLY, opening it, in plain site, and slowly taking the card out.
If they ask to search your vehicle, decline, and say "NO, I DO NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO SEARCH MY VEHICLE, OR ME," as they only ask, if they do not have PROBABLE CAUSE, and are just "FISHING" for something, like maybe your friend left a butt, and you didn't know, but they search, and suddenly you are arrested for possession, and you NEVER KNEW!!
And I AM WHITE!!!
I can't imagine what some of my Black friends face, and deal with, well, actually, some have told me, and it is disgusting, because they have no record, not even a parking ticket!!

Answer 15

Massageman | 2.1K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

Be courteous, obedient and don't act like you "know it all".
Be "aware enough to realize when you should play "dumb".

If the officer asks if you knew why you were pulled over, do NOT say you do. If you do, that is essentially an admission of guilt.

Just put your hands on the top of the steering wheel and wait for the officer to make the first move. This may or may not take a few seconds, depending on if they are pulling your plates on their computer.

Do not make any sudden moves. The officer will likely ask for your license/ID. TELL the officer where you keep it (front left pocket, purse, etc. ) and then SLOWLY get it if they ask to see it. Slowly remove it from wallet/coin purse, etc. Do NOT hand over a whole wallet with money in it: it may be considered a bribe.

Note- If you are being pulled over in a densely trafficked area, a dangerous area, or a dim area, put on your emergency blinker ASAP, slow down and quickly look for a lit parking lot or other area where you feel it would be safe to pull over. But, be sure to put on that emergency blinker so the police know you are NOT evading them.

Answer 16

JEndigoBleue

Xper 1

It's best to be truthful if you know what you did. Cop gave me a warning for going through the stop sign basically in front of him. He was behind me... I didn't know he had driven behind me. The last time I check no one was behind me. Annnd, I was caught up in a conversation via my Bluetooth on my radio.

Recently, I was pulled over for swerving over the lane. Now, I definitely was not doing that and felt the Cop pulled me over for a quota (If that's such a thing). She didn't come of truthful. I told her I did not realize I was. She asked where was I coming from after walking away to write the ticket (She dip back before going to the car). I felt that she should have asked that question first. No alcohol test. Nothing. I guess my eyes weren't drunk looking, etc. She informed me the pull over was being taped... I pretty much was talking to my uncle in the car. Just picked him up from work. Night shift.

She gave me a ticket with a fine and point. Maaan, passed that I now gotta go to court to fight it!

tripptt9

2 d
And you Lose. Everytime. Judge gunna side w a cop not you...999 times out of a 1000... It's not worlt fighting non criminal stuff in court.

Answer 17

tripptt9

And you Lose. Everytime. Judge gunna side w a cop not you...999 times out of a 1000... It's not worlt fighting non criminal stuff in court.

Answer 18

Prettygurl12 | 2.1K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I don't give them an opportunity to be aware or not when I pull them over.

"Good afternoon/morning. My name is Officer [Last Name] with [Police Department]. The reason I pulled you over today is because I witnessed you [traffic offense]. Any particular reason you committed [traffic offense]?"

Whether or not they get a ticket or a warning depends on the severity of the offense and if they're polite to me.

I personally hate giving tickets. We have to write them by hand and they take a long time. But if I do cite, it's almost always because they were rude. Almost every traffic offense leaves it up to officer discretion as to whether or not to write a ticket. My department doesn't have quotas for tickets, so I don't NEED to write a ticket for anything, technically.

Madladd

1 d
This gives me a thumbs up to go wild and be polite.

Answer 19

Madladd

This gives me a thumbs up to go wild and be polite.

Answer 20

yucychan | 65 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

I feel there's no points to be scored in both cases.
If you tell the cop you are unaware why you are being pulled over, it gives the impression that you do not know traffic rules and regulations. And if you are a driver that is unaware of traffic rules and regulations, it makes sense that the cop should give you a ticket.
If you admit to the cop that you are aware why you are being pulled over, it is also just as bad. It indicates you do know the traffic rules and regulations but you disregard them, which makes you an equally dangerous driver that deserves a ticket. There's no win-win situation in my opinion.

Answer 21

WindAtMyBack | 502 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Explorer

It's common for cops to ask if you know why they pulled you over. It seems to me it's become a norm. They did it the last time I got pulled over, which was just a tail light warning.

It would be stupid to answer that question "Because you saw me drinking that bottle of whiskey?", when they didn't even see that. But they know about it now.

I think they ask, because you MIGHT answer that way. That might also be a way of getting around Miranda. I'd be curious if that's ever been ruled on.

Answer 22

rachel776 | 103 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

when they say "do you know why I pulled you over?" it's so you'll admit it to them and then they don't have to prove anything in court

if you say no, they'll have to show up at court to testify, which many times they don't, and you win

tripptt9

2 d
Ya cops who don' slow on to court... that's a good defense strategy.. just hope the cop don't show up. DUMBASS cops are always gonna show up to court. They don't not show up like ever In Wisconsin. It's sucks here
...

Answer 23

tripptt9

Ya cops who don' slow on to court... that's a good defense strategy.. just hope the cop don't show up. DUMBASS cops are always gonna show up to court. They don't not show up like ever In Wisconsin. It's sucks here
...

Answer 24

purplepoppy | 1.4K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

If you say you know then you're confessing but if you don't then thats driving without due care. It's best to preempt them and say "oops what I done" because 99% of time it's just a routine check and he doesn't know about the body in the boot.

Answer 25

hellacray | 1K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Lol a lot of people is saying play dumb, but I think it's much better to admit what you did. Cause the cops aren't stupid they have it caught on tape.

Like there was a time I ran a stop sign cause I was in a rush and it was 5AM. And the cop pulled me over. I told the cop I know I didn't come to a full stop. I gave him a reason why then little later on he gave me a warning.

So saying you don't know I think probably pisses off cops. Better to come clean and hopefully the cop is cool.

Answer 26

Anonymous

Better not to admit to guilt, that way you have the option to fight the ticket. Be polite, make yourself forgettable, and in a few months when you have your hearing, say you didn't do it. Chances are the cop won't remember you and won't be able to prove you actually did. So while a pain in the ass, it does get you out of paying a ticket. Or give you negotiating power in lowering the cost of your ticket if you agree to admit guilt later and spare the city the expensive cost of having the court hearing in the first place.

Answer 27

JackofSpades | 275 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 7

So the deal is, if you want to dispute a ticket in court then absolutely not. You don't want to admit fault to anything.
(Same goes for car accidents. Never say you're sorry or admit fault to anyone especially the cops.)

However most of the time attempting to fight a ticket in court is a waste of time and money.
So if you suck up to them without looking like you're sucking up to them, (they call this "respect") and put on an "Oh shit, the speed limit is 45? I'm sorry I must have missed the sign. My bad" kind of act you MAY get off with an official/unofficial warning.

Answer 28

MissDawn7961 | 560 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

I have never been pulled over by a police officer but if I was then I would do my best to ask the officer - officer , why did U pull me over - ? for every 1 has the right to know why they R being pulled over ! for they may have broken the law and need to know what law they broke so they will not repeat breaking this law ! thanks

Answer 29

Lov2PlezUgurl

Xper 6

It depends on what you being pulled over for if you're doing 90 mph well you know why you're getting pulled over but if you don't have your seatbelt on and you just left your house or just got groceries and just left the grocery store and you just forgot to put it on then that is understandable you still going to get a $15 seat belt ticket in Georgia $30 in South Carolina $200 in North Carolina that is a rip off in this economy it's crazy

Answer 30

John_Galt | 485 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 6

In my experience, it’s better to just be completely honest. the choice of wether to give you a ticket or not has probably already been made before the conversation starts. But if it hasn’t... you’ve got a better chance of changing his mind by just being totally honest and friendly, With maybe some regret and self deprivation mixed in.
Not to much it just makes the conversation much less stressful.

spartan55

3 d
@John_Galt
I have two friends who are cops and they both said they teach in the academy to decide if they are writing the ticket before first contact. This is to minimize bias.

Answer 31

spartan55

@John_Galt
I have two friends who are cops and they both said they teach in the academy to decide if they are writing the ticket before first contact. This is to minimize bias.

Answer 32

MuffinBoi

Xper 6

Nah. Come on. Just answer the question straight with no frills. It's better to get through with it efficiently than to needlessly drag it on.

My nan got stopped for passing through an orange light once and got let off without a ticket because of the transparency. As long as you're just honest and the offence was minor, you should be fine.

Answer 33

sheikalana | 83 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

I would just act normal. Once I took an uber by my self to go home late at night and we were pulled over by the police I thought the police was going to question the driver I ended up being questioned lol. I just acted normal answered his question and he let us proceed.

tripptt9

2 d
That so not the same thing.. not even close

Answer 34

tripptt9

That so not the same thing.. not even close

Answer 35

RolandCuthbert | 3.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Haha! Folks here are so naive. Even cops will tell you, don't talk to police. Just obey all lawful instructions and never give up your right to not incriminate yourself or relinquish your right to privacy.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vi434yXk_qo https://www.youtube.com/embed/tdWpX01QlFg

Answer 36

ShadezMcgee | 241 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Explorer

Typically you will have a good idea why. Playing dumb or being a smartass not only makes you rude to start off the interaction, but it can also affect the cop's decision of a ticket, warning, etc.

Just cooperate with the officer and it will be over quick, no need for drama and unnecessary stress.

Answer 37

ChiTown33 | 1.2K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

If you're young you might be able to pull off that young and stupid thing. But at some age it just becomes pathetic and maddening for the cop. My philosophy is honesty is always the best policy. Man up! Tell the cop what you did and why you did it. Admit you're in the wrong (if you are). You may get a ticket but you'll leave with your self respect. And you might even gain the cops. That's why i said "admit your wrong".

Answer 38

Hispanic-Cool-Guy | 4.4K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

Always keep your mouth shut when interacting with police. It doesn't matter if you are innocent or guilty.

If they pull you over, give them your license and insurance which they have a right to ask for, but keep your mouth shut and record them.

Answer 39

NickCharm

Xper 4

They ask that so 1) You confess to something and good luck fighting that ticket now or 2) He pulled you over for something else and now you will be written up for that too. NEVER volunteer ANY information to cops. Even if they sound casual and just making talk they have a purpose behind it. Be polite but you do not have to answer any questions. If you are ever afraid he might be intending to arrest you ask if you are free to leave. If he says no, you are going to be put under arrest

Answer 40

KrakenAttackin | 1.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

As a guy who used to do a lot of traffic enforcement, don't admit to a speed over the speed limit. "Sir, do you know how fast you were going"? You "Um, no Sir, I don't". Officer "How fast do you think you were going"? You "umm... 60 or so"? (In a 55). You just admitted to knowing you were speeding and he got the clock on you for much faster than 60, BUT even if you argue in court he clocked the wrong car, you still admitted to exceeding the posted limit.

Answer 41

spartan55 | 272 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

Depends on which cop you happened to cross paths with. In the past, when I had issues with my license, etc I was always very honest about it up front. They respect that generally.

Answer 42

Flower7 | 434 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

I feel like playing innocent would be better, because that would show that whatever you did was an accident, instead of doing the wrong thing on purpose and not caring.

Answer 43

ItsTheNephilim | 837 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

'Oh hi officer! What a pleasant day, isn't it? So what made you stop my vehicle? Is the body in the trunk of my car smelling so strong that you can smell it or did you take a sneak peek in my car's seat and spotted the LSD?'

Answer 44

DizzyDesii | 1.2K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I dont even play with cops like that. I’d tense up, stay respectful and follow every command cause i ain't tryna get shot for no reason

Answer 45

Drfuntime2

Xper 5

Last cop that pulled me over asked me do I know why I pulled you over. I blurted out "Cuz you were riding my ass." I think he sensed I was very hostile and made up some bs like I was swerving. Took my license and I was on the road in less than 30 secs. Just fishing for some dwi cash since it was a holiday.

Answer 46

broken_heart_at_48 | 136 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 7

You're admitting guilt so you're better off playing dumb. That's why he asks you questions like that because he thinks you're dumb and wants you to admit to being guilty incase you decide to fight the ticket.

Answer 47

ArrowheadSW | 248 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

I would say being aware is the best. At least it shows that you are mostly aware but just might have overlooked something. Playing dumb just makes someone look, uh, well, "dumb"... LOL

Answer 48

Darcia | 185 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Explorer

Better to be aware unless you want to get shot, get a ticket, or better yet be in jail.

Answer 49

Agape93 | 3.8K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

Be aware. They get people playing dumb all the damn time. Usually it’s refreshing to them to have someone who is humble and honest with them upfront.

Answer 50

Inquisitive3 | 67 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 5

I know someone who was just exceptionally apologetic and kind... the cop tore up the ticket. I think it just depends on the person.

Answer 51

TeeBar | 132 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 5

If you are truly aware of the reason because you committed an obvious offense, then admit it, otherwise say "No" and ask what you did wrong. Cops will be able to tell if you are actually clueless.

Answer 52

Apple1996 | 464 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I've never been pulled over so I really don't know how I'd even handle it all. Probably play dumb to hopefully get away with it.

Answer 53

Deathraider | 1.7K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Well ask them what happened.

The thing is that there are many reasons why they might pull you over. Do be disrespectful, but you don’t have to admit to what happened. They may have pulled you over for a completely different reason.

Answer 54

JKingOff | 179 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 7

Anytime he asks you a question just tell him that you don't answer questions, and record all your encounters.

Answer 55

chHaynes

Xper 5

Playing stupid does actually work I've been pulled over on a bicycle yes I said it a bicycle luckily the guy was in a good mood and he just told me what I did wrong and gave me a warning and let me on my way

Answer 56

CriticalDiscourse

Xper 5

It's better if you have nice boobs and can crack a witty joke.

Answer 57

bannacookies | 142 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

I wouldn't play dumb. They deal with dummies all day. They'd pick up on it that you're playing dumb. You don't want to join fellow dummies. XD

ArrowheadSW

8 h
LOL I do know a lady who tried that and she got a ticket right off. It's like the policeman probably thought, "OK this is my 7th one today trying to play dumb"...

Answer 58

ArrowheadSW

LOL I do know a lady who tried that and she got a ticket right off. It's like the policeman probably thought, "OK this is my 7th one today trying to play dumb"...

Answer 59

Hydra6544

Xper 2

It’s not to earn any points it’s just like your parents asking who are the cookies while you have crumbs all over your face

Answer 60

snowboarder720 | 422 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Instead you should beat him to the punch and ask “May I ask why you pulled me over?”

Answer 61

Anonymous

two options

1: be conservatives and follow the rules and be in your way

2. be a liberal/Democrat are fight the cop forcing him to shoot you. the cry "racist!" and live in sadness despair for the rest of your life hating everything and everyone always pointing the finger instead of owning up to your responsibilites

Answer 62

kkirk4442 | 71 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 5

It's better to be honest with him. Officers don't like it when people play games with them.

Answer 63

_no_one_ | 134 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 7

All i know is, don't cobfess right away as it can be used against you.

Answer 64

LemiaOfTheCodes

Xper 6

The police pull you over at the moment if your breaking covid restrictions.

Answer 65

douride2 | 2.9K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I think it is better to be aware. That is if you are.

Answer 66

Anonymous

I'm a sarcastic fuck, and I almost made a cop cry. LOL True story.

Don't be a wolf, and don't be a sheep, but stand your ground.

Answer 67

genericname85 | 2.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

i'd just say "no sir". if that cop had a bad day, they can really fuck you over for giving funny answers.

genericname85

3 d
i think just saying no (even though you know why) is better, cause i think they can construe a case of "intentional" offense, which makes a regular offense slightly worse.
genericname85

3 d
generally it's best to speak as little as possible while being as cooperative as possible.

Answer 68

genericname85

i think just saying no (even though you know why) is better, cause i think they can construe a case of "intentional" offense, which makes a regular offense slightly worse.

Answer 69

genericname85

generally it's best to speak as little as possible while being as cooperative as possible.

Answer 70

tripptt9

Xper 6

Be aware hand him Id... insurance... registration. If know why pulled over say ya I. ... And it works for minor stuff like driving... But if you driving dirty don't say shit.. no permission ... just say " am I being detained? Am I free to go? "

Answer 71

J2ohhhhh | 92 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Xper 7

Once it happened to me and my answer was: when did you start following me?

ChiTown33

3 d
🤣🤣🤣

Answer 72

ChiTown33

🤣🤣🤣

Answer 73

legalboxers | 2.1K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

you DO NOT play dumb. If he asks "why did I pull you over" let them talk. Document everything. Assert your 5th Amendment.

Answer 74

Anonymous

Playing dumb. I look quite young they feel sorry for me lol

Answer 75

Wise4myage | 448 opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Play dumb, and he might let you off the hook with a warning.

Answer 76

1031ent

Xper 3

It would taken every thing in my power not to ask "You mean you don't know why you pulled me over?"

Answer 77

GoodGuyBreakingBad | 5.2K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I think it would be best to be aware and keep things good with the police officer

Answer 78

Juxtapose | 1.6K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Guru

Never admit to anything and say as little as possible!

Answer 79

Anonymous

I have tried every approach and I have never been given a break by the cops. Now I just keep quiet and follow their directions. I dont try to explain or talk my way out of it

Answer 80

COMMODOREII | 1.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Master

I tell them the truth and tell them i can not read their mind.

Answer 81

msc545 | 1.3K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

It's better to act unaware, otherwise, you are admitting to the offense.

Answer 82

joeldalton | 2.4K opinions shared on Society & Politics topic.

Yoda

Play Dumb. Saying what you think you did only admits guilt.

When a cop pulls you over and asks why he pulls you over, is it better to play dumb or be aware?

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