The Top 5 Things to Remember to Do During a Traffic Stop
ACRB Deputy Director Sheena Robertson
A few weeks ago, my husband, who is black, was stopped by a police officer for allegedly
speeding. Thankfully, the officer was courteous and gave my husband a verbal warning in lieu of
a traffic citation. Shaken by the excessive number of cases in which seeming routine traffic stops
turn deadly, I still felt uneasy because this could have happened to my husband. However, the
thought still crossed my mind that the traffic stop could have gone a number of ways. It is well
documented that black male motorists are pulled over by police at rates exceeding those for whites
and blacks are more likely to be searched by police, although they are no more likely to carry
contraband, such are weapons or drugs.
This incident called to mind countless conversations I’ve had with complainants about how they
could have handled their traffic stop better. Of course, these conversations are always retrospective
and, as evidenced by the complainant’s presence in our office, too late to be useful. But below are
the top 5 things I tell them you should do during a traffic stop.
1. Activate your turn signal and immediately pull over.
2. Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
Once you have stopped your vehicle, immediately place your hands on the steering wheel for the
officer to see them. Before reaching for anything, tell the officer what you are reaching for and
ask if it’s okay to do so. Officers are allowed to use force if the officer feels that you are reaching
for a weapon.
3. Tell the officer if you have any weapons.
4. Let the officer talk.
5. Be courteous and comply.
Being polite and respectful is a great way to deescalate a possible situation. If you are issued a
citation, don’t argue with the officer if you feel the ticket is not warranted, just sign it and contest
later. Under Georgia Law, O.C.G.A § 40-30.2.1, “A person who is issued a citation as provided
in this chapter or Code Section 17-6-11, relating to display of driver’s license in lieu of bail, shall
sign the citation to acknowledge receipt of the citation and of his or her obligation to appear for
trial. The officer shall advise the person that signing the citation is not an admission of guilt and
that failure to sign will result in the person having to post a cash bond. If the person refuses to
sign the citation, it shall constitute reasonable cause to believe that the person will not appear at
trial and the officer may bring the person before a judicial officer or traffic violations bureau to
post a bond as is otherwise provided by law…”
Under Georgia law, you can be arrested for any misdemeanor, including traffic tickets whether
you sign the ticket, or not. However, as previously indicated signing a traffic ticket is a signature
bond, assuring the officer as well as the court that you will pay the fine before your court date or
appear in court when you are supposed to. It is very important to note that signing a citation is not
an admission of guilt, but simply a promise that you will appear in court on the designated court
date that is indicated on the ticket.