If you are driving a car and an officer signals to stop, you must pull over. The law requires this. We recommend that you stay in your car and if it is dark, turn on the interior light. Please do not exit your car unless the officer requests or directs you to do so. It is suggested that you keep your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach your vehicle. The officer will request your license, registration and proof of insurance. Police officers are trained to ask for identification and to provide an explanation for the stop. Please provide the officer with the requested documents.
A Lansing Police Officer will always inform you of the reason for the stop. Traffic violations are the most common reason for police stopping a vehicle. Examples of traffic violations include speeding, disregarding a traffic control device, improper or expired license plate or equipment violations. A criminal investigation may be another reason for being stopped. Your vehicle may match the description of a vehicle that has been involved in a crime.
At some point during the stop, the officer may ask you and/or passengers to exit the car. This request may be for safety or investigatory reasons. The courts have upheld an officer's right to make such a request. Please comply with this request. Police officer actions during a traffic stop are guided by the fact that many police officers are assaulted and killed each year during traffic stops. Our goal is to protect you and to ensure officer safety. If you are issued a citation and you disagree, please do not argue at the scene. You have the right to contest a citation before a judge or magistrate at a later time.
