When you’re pulled over by the police, you may be concerned about being arrested. Perhaps you’re worried that the officer suspects you’re under the influence of alcohol. Maybe you’re just worried about any interaction with the police because you know saying the wrong thing could put you in a difficult position.
This feeling is understandable, and the thing to remember is that you generally don’t have to answer questions at all. The officer may ask you a number of different questions, including:
- Do you know how fast you were driving?
- Where are you going tonight?
- Have you had anything to drink today?
But you’re not obligated to say anything. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally incriminate yourself.
Say that you had a beer with lunch, hours ago. If you tell the officer that, yes, you have had something to drink today, does that increase the chances that they’re going to arrest you on drunk driving charges—even though you’re not impaired? If you admit to speeding by telling them you know how fast you were going, are they more likely to give you a traffic ticket? Your Fourth Amendment rights mean you don’t have to answer these questions.
What is required?
This doesn’t mean you should just ignore the police officer, of course. Be polite and identify yourself when asked. Drivers are required to have a few different things, such as a driver’s license, registration for the vehicle and proof of insurance. If the officer asks for these documents, you can present them, but you don’t have to answer further questions beyond that.
You could still be arrested, of course, even if you handled the situation correctly. Be sure you understand all of the legal options you have at this time.