Traffic stop in the car — Rhode Island Permit Test

Do not take your safety belt off at a traffic stop until the officer tells you to.

A driver who unbuckles and reaches down looks like he is going for something under the seat.

Do not take your safety belt off until you are directed to do so by the officer.

At a traffic stop, keep both hands visible on the steering wheel.

Hands the officer cannot see make him assume the worst.

Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel.

At a traffic stop, tell any passengers to keep their hands where the officer can see them.

A passenger digging in a bag can turn a simple stop into a tense one.

Tell any passengers to put their hands where they can be seen by the officer.

Do not get out of your vehicle at a traffic stop unless the officer asks you to.

A driver who climbs out and walks toward the officer can be seen as a threat.

Do not exit your vehicle unless asked to do so by the officer.

If a law enforcement officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, Rhode Island requires you to do so.

A driver who refuses to step out turns a traffic stop into a standoff.

If a law enforcement officer requests you exit your vehicle, you must do so.

You and your passengers should never make sudden movements, such as reaching under a seat or leaning toward the glove box.

A sudden reach toward the glove box can look like a reach for a weapon.

You and your passengers should never make any sudden movements or gestures; reach under seat, lean towards glove box, etc.

When may you take off your seat belt at a traffic stop?

When the officer directs you. A driver who unbuckles and reaches down looks like he is going for something under the seat. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.67: “Do not take your safety belt off until you are directed to do so by the officer.”