As a new teen driver driving a car on the road might bring out a lot of questions. But can a cop pull you over for looking to young? In most cases no! but let’s find out.
In most cases, a police officer will not pull you over because you appear young. But they can if they believe you are significantly younger than the minimum age to operate a motor vehicle. The officer must explain why your appearance warranted a reasonable suspicion stop.
If you are a New York resident, it’s common for a police officer to pull you over. It can be you’ve broken a traffic law, or they’re suspicious of something.
What You Should Do When You See a Police Car
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If a police car is pursuing you with its siren wailing and emergency lights flashing, immediately pull over to the right and stop in a safe location.
When you stop it’s not a sign of guilt. It just indicates that you were paying attention to everything that was going on around you. Stopping as soon as possible has a better chance of determining where and how the officer claims you broke traffic regulations.
What to Do After Being Pulled Over
After stopping in a safe location, you should turn off your engine. At this point, you may want to show the officer courtesy to demonstrate your appreciation for their service.
We all know police officers have lost their lives while conducting traffic stops. Especially the time when the officer walks up to your vehicle is the most dangerous part.
Ensure your windows are fully rolled down, and place your hands on the steering wheel. If it’s nighttime, turn on the vehicle’s interior light. You must remain seated inside the vehicle until the officer instructs you to get out.
Wait until the officer has asked for your identification documents before you start digging through your pockets for your wallet. The police may think you are reaching for a firearm.
Cooperate
A police officer is not required to explain the reason for your stop immediately. You should always comply with whatever request the officer makes, as long as it is legal. If the officer asks for your identification, you can provide them with your name and address.
The officer may request that you exit the vehicle or remain seated. You are expected to comply with the request and maintain a polite demeanor. Being courteous will not harm in this scenario, so practice it.
Allow the Officer to Take the Lead in the Conversation
Let the officer begin the conversation. Do not adopt an aggressive or defensive stance. Also, don’t be a jerk and demand to know why the officer pulled you over. The police will typically start by asking for your driver’s license and registration in the first place.
Instead, respond with “Yes” or “Of course” and hand over the documents. If you need to access your glove compartment, handbag, or pocket, you can inform the officer and get permission.
Other Reasons Why the Police Will Pull You Over
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Speeding
The act of driving too fast is the factor that leads to the majority of traffic pulling over in New York.
When you’re in a rush, it’s vital to remember not to go beyond the recommended speed limits.
Equipment Violations
Police routinely stop motorists for violations such as having too-dark window tint, damaged windshield, or defective headlight. Equipment infractions are simple for law enforcement agents to identify even from a distance.
Inappropriate Changes in Lanes
Police define an incorrect lane change as cutting another car off or moving lanes without looking. These extremely risky behaviors significantly reduce drivers’ reaction times, increasing the likelihood of being involved in an accident.
This will also attract the attention of police officials; therefore, use the left lane only when passing. When drivers fail to use their turn signals, they may be subject to a traffic stop, but this is not always the case.
Cell Phone Use
It doesn’t matter if you’re making a call, sending a text message, or email, using a cell phone while driving is another major reason drivers get pulled over.
Consequences That You Will Face If You Run from a Police Officer
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When you illegally flee from a police officer, the charges and repercussions you face will likely change based on your case details. However, you could be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for violating New York Penal Law section 270.25.
This violation of the law is considered a misdemeanor. It carries a hefty punishment, leaves a permanent criminal record, or even imprisonment for up to one year.
Suppose a law enforcement officer sustains any kind of physical injury due to your actions while attempting to flee from them. In that case, you could be charged with fleeing in the second degree under section 270.30 of the New York Penal Code.
You can be charged with running from a police officer in the second degree if, for example, an officer is involved in an accident while chasing your vehicle and the accident was their fault. This is not a charge that may be classified as a misdemeanor.
You run the risk of being found guilty of a felony of the class E variety, which carries with it the potential for a sentence of up to four years in prison in addition to the stigma of having a felony conviction on your record.
If a police officer or anyone else is killed due to your flight from the police, the situation will become even more direr. You run the risk of being charged with a Class D felony for fleeing from a law enforcement officer in the first degree, which carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison if convicted.
If your actions also break any other laws, such as those prohibiting driving while impaired, you risk being charged with additional offenses related to the original crime.
Conclusion
If you appear young, you should always walk with a driving license. You can’t be sure when and where the police officer will stop you. Besides, you must adhere to traffic laws so that you don’t capture the attention of police officers.
Lastly, always remember to stay composed and follow every instruction the officer instructs you when they pull you over.