Traffic stops — Indiana Permit Test

When an officer signals you to stop, turn on your right turn signal to show you have seen them, then move to the right shoulder.

The signal tells the officer you are cooperating and looking for a place to stop.

Acknowledge the officer’s presence by turning on your right turn signal.

During a traffic stop, stay in your vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out.

Stepping out unasked can put you in the path of traffic and can alarm the officer.

Never step out of your vehicle, unless an officer directs you to do so.

During a traffic stop, the driver keeps their hands on the steering wheel and passengers keep their hands visible.

An officer who cannot see your hands may feel threatened, which makes the stop more tense for everyone.

The driver should keep their hands on the steering wheel and passenger hands should be visible on their laps.

If you are being stopped at night, you are encouraged to turn on the vehicle's interior light.

Light inside the car lets the officer see you and your passengers clearly.

If you are being stopped at night, you are encouraged to turn on the interior light of the vehicle.

Signing a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt, only an acknowledgment that you received it.

You can still contest the ticket in court after signing it.

Signing a ticket is not an admission of the driver’s guilt, but only an acknowledgment of receiving the ticket.

If you cannot find a safe place to stop at once, slow down and turn on your hazard lights.

This shows the officer you know they are there and are looking for a safe spot.

If you cannot find a safe place immediately, slow down and turn on hazard lights.

When a police car signals you to stop, what should you do first?

Turn on your right turn signal. The signal tells the officer you are cooperating and looking for a place to stop. Indiana Driver's Manual, p.60: “Acknowledge the officer’s presence by turning on your right turn signal.”