Police stop officer approach — Nebraska Permit Test

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

Talking through closed glass leads to shouting and missed words, and a misheard order can cause a dangerous mistake.

Lower the corresponding window so you and the officer can better communicate.

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

An officer who spots a weapon by surprise must react fast, and that surprise can end with someone shot.

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 license or vehicle documents; if they are out of reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for acknowledgement.

A sudden reach into a glove box looks like a reach for a weapon to an officer standing at the window.

If the documents are out of reach, tell the officer where they are and wait for the officer’s acknowledgement before reaching to retrieve the documents.

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

Asking to see a badge protects you from someone pretending to be police on a dark road.

If they do not show their credentials, you may ask to see them.

At a traffic stop the officer will typically ask for your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

A driver who cannot find these papers drags out the stop and may be ticketed for missing proof of insurance.

Ask for your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

The officer walks up to your passenger side. What should you do?

Lower the passenger side window. Talking through closed glass leads to shouting and missed words, and a misheard order can cause a dangerous mistake. Nebraska Driver’s Manual, p.28: “Lower the corresponding window so you and the officer can better communicate.”