Interacting with Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officers conduct traffic stops when they have reason to believe a traffic violation or crime may have occurred. A traffic stop can be stressful, but knowing what to do can help protect your safety, your passengers, and the officer. 

When You See Emergency Lights 

1. ^{Activate your turn signal and pull over to the side of the roadway as soon as it is safe.} 

2. ^{Turn off your engine and any audio devices.} 

3. ^{Stay inside your vehicle unless the officer tells you to exit.} 

4. ^{Keep your hands on the steering wheel or in another visible location.} 

5. ^{At night, turn on your interior light. If visibility is limited, the officer may use a spotlight.} 6 ^{Follow all instructions given by the officer.} 

When the Officer Approaches 

1. ^{Lower the window closest to the officer so you can communicate clearly.} 

2. ^{Tell the officer if there is a weapon in the vehicle before reaching for anything.} 

3. ^{Wait for instructions before reaching for your driver's license, registration, or insurance documents.} 

What the Officer Will Typically Do 

• ^{Show law-enforcement credentials if not in uniform. You may ask to see credentials if they are not shown.} 

• ^{Explain why you were stopped and ask questions about your trip.} 

• ^{Request your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.} 

The Officer May Also 

• ^{Ask you to exit the vehicle. Keep your hands visible and follow directions.} 

• ^{Issue a warning or traffic citation.} 

• ^{Make an arrest when legally justified.} 

Important Reminder 

If you have questions, ask respectfully. Do not argue during the stop. If you disagree with the officer's decision or believe the officer acted improperly, address the issue later through the legal process. Refusing to sign a traffic citation may result in arrest; signing is not an admission of guilt.

Your Responsibilities After a Crash 

If you are involved in a crash involving death, injury, or property damage, you are required by law to provide information, render aid, and remain calm. 

What You Must Do 

1. ^{Stop and call 911, FHP (347), or local law enforcement.} 

2. ^{Turn on your hazard lights.} 

3. ^{If anyone is injured, get help immediately.} 

4. ^{If the crash is minor and your vehicle blocks traffic, move it when possible.} 

5. ^{Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's-license information, license-plate numbers, vehicle details, and insurance information.}  

6. ^{Take photos or make a sketch showing the scene, vehicle positions, and damage.} 

Crash Reports 

A law-enforcement officer will complete a written report when a crash involves a DUI charge, death, injury, or property damage severe enough to require towing. If the crash causes vehicle or property damage and does not require a law-enforcement report, you must submit a written report to FLHSMV within 10 days. 

Unattended Vehicles or Property 

If you hit an unattended vehicle or other property, make every reasonable effort to locate the owner and notify law enforcement. If the owner cannot be found, leave a note with your name, contact information, and license-plate number. 

Stay at the Scene 

Leaving the scene of a crash involving death, injury, or property damage is against the law. 

Hit-and-Run Penalties 

• ^{Death: First-degree felony with a minimum four-year prison term.} 

• ^{Serious bodily injury: Second-degree felony.} 

• ^{Injury: Third-degree felony.} 

• ^{These offenses include a minimum three-year driver's-license revocation.} 

• ^{Damage to an unattended vehicle or property is a second-degree misdemeanor.} 

First Aid and Safety 

If you come upon a crash, call 911 or FHP (347) and provide help only when it is safe. Do not assume someone else has already called. Pull as far off the road as possible, turn on your hazard lights, and stay out of traffic. 

Source: Information summarized from pages provided from the Official Florida Driver License Handbook.