Talking with the officer at a stop — Arizona Permit Test

An officer may approach either side of the vehicle; lower the window on that side so you can communicate.

On a busy road the officer may come to the passenger side to stay out of traffic. Open the window they come to.

The officer may approach either side of the vehicle.

Tell the officer if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact.

An officer who finds a weapon by surprise has to treat it as a threat. Saying so first keeps everyone calm.

Let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact.

Wait for the officer's instructions before reaching for your driver license or vehicle documents.

A sudden reach toward the glove box can look like a reach for a weapon. Waiting keeps the moment clear.

Wait for the officer’s instructions before reaching for your driver’s license or vehicle documents.

An officer who is not in uniform will typically show law enforcement credentials, and if they do not, you may ask to see them.

Anyone can put a flashing light on a car. Credentials are how you know the person at the window is really police.

Show their law enforcement credentials if they are not in uniform. If they do not show their credentials, you may ask to see them.

If you disagree with an officer's decision, do not argue at the roadside; you may contest it in court.

Arguing on the shoulder of a road will not change the ticket and can make the stop unsafe. Court is where it gets decided.

If you disagree with the officer’s decision or course of action, do not prolong the contact by arguing with the officer.

Signing a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt.

Many drivers refuse to sign because they think it means they agree. It does not, and refusing causes a bigger problem.

Your acceptance and signature on a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt.

Refusing to sign a traffic ticket may result in your arrest.

The signature is a promise to deal with the ticket. Without it the officer may have to take you in instead.

However, the refusal to sign a traffic ticket may result in your arrest.

When should you tell an officer that there is a weapon in your vehicle?

Upon first contact. An officer who finds a weapon by surprise has to treat it as a threat. Saying so first keeps everyone calm. Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, p.73: “Let the officer know if you have a weapon in the vehicle upon first contact.”