Chapter 8 · Lesson 10 of 11
Documents and traffic-stop outcomes
4 min read · Accidents and Emergency Situations
Explanation
Vehicle operators must have a valid driver’s license, registration and insurance. If a document is in the glove box, under a seat or stored on a phone, tell the officer where it is and follow directions before reaching.
If issued a ticket, sign it. The signature acknowledges receipt; it does not admit guilt. Do not argue during the stop. If you believe the ticket is wrong or unfair, present the case in traffic court. Never resist arrest.
When drunk driving is suspected, refusing a breath, urine, blood or performance test can result in loss of driving privileges.
Officers must provide their name and badge number upon request. Concerns about conduct can be reported after the encounter to a superior; written complaints may go to internal affairs or a civilian complaint board.
Example
Your insurance card is on your phone. You keep your hands visible, tell the officer where the proof is stored and wait for instructions before reaching for the phone.
Common mistake
Refusing to sign a ticket because you disagree with it. Signing acknowledges receipt only; contest the ticket in traffic court.
What the manual says
Signing a ticket is not an admission of the driver’s guilt, but only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.
Officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers upon request.
Sources
- Manual p. 61
“Vehicle operators are required to have a valid driver's license, registration, and insurance in order to operate a vehicle.”
- Manual p. 61
“you should first inform the police officer of that fact and then follow the officer's directions before reaching to retrieve the information.”
- Manual p. 61
“Signing a ticket is not an admission of the driver's guilt, but only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.”
- Manual p. 61
“refusal to submit to breath, urine, blood, or performance tests can result in the loss of driving privileges.”
- Manual p. 61
“she will have the opportunity to present the case in traffic court.”
- Manual p. 61
“Officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers upon request.”
Check your understanding
Question 1 of 3