Overview:
In towns across America, but especially in small communities and rural areas, being pulled over by police can quickly shift from routine to confrontational. At Presence News, we’ve seen an increase in reports from LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, women, and small business owners describing unnecessarily escalated traffic stops. This article offers a practical guide on what to do when you're pulled over and how to protect yourself—physically, legally, and digitally.
The Reality of Unequal Stops
Traffic stops are one of the most common points of contact between civilians and law enforcement. But not everyone experiences them the same way. Presence News has received reports from:
- Gay and transgender individuals being questioned about their gender identity.
- People of color being asked invasive questions or searched without cause.
- Women pulled over alone at night feeling unsafe or intimidated.
- Business owners being interrogated about where they’re coming from, especially when driving company vehicles.
While not every officer behaves this way, the pattern is real—and concerning.
What to Do If You’re Pulled Over
1. Stay Calm and Composed
- Pull over safely and promptly.
- Turn off your engine, roll down your window, and keep your hands visible.
- Stay seated unless told otherwise.
2. Begin Recording Immediately (If Legal in Your State)
- Use your phone’s camera or a dashcam to record the interaction.
- State clearly: “I am recording this for my protection.”
- In most states, it is legal to record police during traffic stops.
3. Know Your Rights
- You have the right to remain silent beyond providing your ID, registration, and insurance.
- You do not have to consent to a vehicle search unless the officer has a warrant or probable cause.
- Ask: “Am I being detained or am I free to go?”
4. Be Respectful, But Don’t Surrender Your Rights
- Speak clearly and avoid sudden movements.
- You do not need to explain where you’re going or why.
- If mistreated, do not argue on the spot—note the officer’s name and file a report later.
5. Protect Yourself Digitally
- Share your location in real-time with a friend or loved one.
- Upload video footage to a cloud service or secure folder immediately after the stop.
Extra Precautions for At-Risk Groups
For LGBTQ+ Drivers:
- Know that you do not have to answer questions about your gender identity or sexuality.
- If you feel unsafe, politely request another officer or ask to move to a more public location.
For People of Color:
- Keep your hands visible at all times.
- Consider using a dashcam with automatic cloud upload.
- Record badge numbers and be calm even under clear bias.
For Women Driving Alone:
- If unsure about the legitimacy of the officer, call 911 and confirm the traffic stop.
- Stay inside your locked car unless instructed to exit.
- Keep your phone in a visible place recording.
For Business Owners:
- Keep company documents, licenses, or delivery paperwork organized.
- If pulled over in a marked vehicle, calmly explain your business purpose.
- Report profiling or harassment to local business associations or chambers of commerce.
Final Thoughts: Safety First, Story Second
It’s important to survive the stop. If your rights are violated or if you’re treated unfairly, you can take action afterward. File a complaint. Notify your attorney. Share your experience with outlets like Presence News.
These encounters are more than traffic stops. They are moments where bias, fear, and misunderstanding can collide. With knowledge, preparation, and calm, we can all stay safer—and start to hold systems accountable.
If you have a story to share or video footage of a traffic stop gone wrong, contact editor@presencenews.org .
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