Practice question

How should you respond to an officer’s signal to pull over for a traffic stop?

  1. Continue driving to your destination.
  2. Refuse to pull over.
  3. Ignore signals and accelerate.
  4. Pull over safely, keep hands visible, remain in the vehicle unless told otherwise, and comply with instructions.

Answer: D — Pull over safely, keep hands visible, remain in the vehicle unless told otherwise, and comply with instructions.

When you’re asked to stop by an officer, the priority is safety and clear communication. Pull over to a safe and legal spot as soon as you can, bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. Stay in the vehicle unless the officer tells you to exit. Follow every instruction the officer gives. If you need to reach for something like your license or registration, announce what you’re doing before you move and do it slowly and purposefully. This predictable, compliant behavior helps the officer assess the situation calmly and reduces any risk of misinterpretation or surprise.

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