Why Did You Stop Me?

The first question an officer usually hears...

Moving Violations are the most common reason a vehicle is stopped. Some examples include speeding offenses, failure to stop at a red light or a stop sign, failure to use a turn signal, or not having a child properly restrained.

Registration or Equipment Violations are other reasons a vehicle may be stopped by an officer. The laws governing driving privileges consist of 96 pages. It is not uncommon for a driver to be in violation of a law without knowing it. This is why police departments have designed the "Courtesy Warning. "

Criminal Investigations often involve searching for a "get-away" car. In today's mobile society, criminals often use cars or trucks to facilitate their crime. Your vehicle may match the description of a suspect's vehicle.

Courtesy or Safety Concerns are other reasons an officer might stop your vehicle. For instance, your trunk may be open, something may be hanging from under your vehicle, or you may have left groceries on your roof.

Keeping the Lines of Communication Open

 Steps to follow if you are stopped...

• Stop your vehicle as far out of the lane of traffic as possible. Keep away from the flow of traffic to prevent an accident. Make sure you turn your flashers on, indicating to the officer that you are going to comply.

• Relax and remain in your vehicle. If you leave the vehicle, you subject yourself and the officer to the dangers of traffic.

• During hours of darkness it is permissible, after signaling your intentions to stop, to continue until reaching a well lit area that is out of the flow of traffic. After stopping, turn on your interior light. Good lighting assists good communication.

• Keep your hands in view, preferably on the steering wheel. This assures the officer that you are not holding a weapon. Wait for the officer to request your license, registration, and proof of insurance.

• Police officers are trained to ask for identification first, and provide an explanation second. First, provide the proper documentation. Then, give the officer a chance to explain the reason you were stopped. Providing your documentation will simplify and speed the process. Remember, most often the officer is in uniform with a name tag displayed. You have the advantage of knowing with whom you are dealing. Extend the courtesy by providing the requested identification without argument.

• If you do not agree with the citation, or the officer's demeanor, do not argue at the scene. All citizens have the right to question their citation before a judge. The Margate Police Department has an internal affairs system in place to investigate citizen complaints.

The Way You Do the Things You Do

Common questions about police procedures and their answers...

Q. Why did the officer sneak up along the side of my car?

A.  To reduce the likelihood of an officer being injured, they are trained to assess the vehicle's occupants while minimizing their exposure to traffic.

Q.  If it's only a minor offense, why did two or three officers show up?

A.  Officers, in the vicinity, frequently back each other up without being requested. Traffic stops are among the most dangerous situations an officer faces.

Q.  Why did the officers sit in the car for so long? What were they doing?

A.  The officer is verifying your driving privileges and vehicle registration status through one statewide computer system. There is only one operator and many officers trying to gain access to the same system.

Q.  Why did I have to sign the ticket or warning?

A.  By signing, you are agreeing to either mail in the fine, or to schedule a court appearance. Signing is not an admission of guilt.

Did You Know?

Some rules of the road...

Carry Proper Identification

When driving a motor vehicle, you must have in your possession: your valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of current insurance for the vehicle. If you are stopped and you do not have all of these items with you, a citation may be issued.

It is the driver's (not the owner's) responsibility to be sure that the vehicle being driven is insured and that the proper documents are in the vehicle.

It is the owner's responsibility to ensure that the person driving the vehicle possesses a valid driver's license.

Monitor Occupants

As the driver, you are responsible for the conduct of all the occupants of the

vehicle. This covers such things as passengers throwing trash out a window, hanging their arms or legs out of a window, or acting in a disorderly manner.

As the driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that all passengers are wearing their seatbelts, and that children are properly secured. Therefore, if a police officer stops your vehicle, don't remove your seatbelt.

Signal Your Intentions

You must signal your intent to turn, or change lanes, 100 feet before performing the action.

Protecting Children

The Law: All children 5 years old or younger must use a restraint device when riding in a motor vehicle.