Stopping for police vehicles — Tennessee Permit Test

Police vehicles signal drivers to stop with flashing blue, or flashing blue and red, lights and/or a siren or other sound signal.

Knowing the signal tells you a stop is real. You can pull over calmly instead of guessing.

Police vehicles attempting to stop drivers will do so by means of a visual, flashing blue or flashing blue and red lights, and/or an audible signal.

When stopped by police, pull as close as safely practical to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop.

A car stopped in an intersection blocks traffic and puts the officer in the road. The right edge keeps everyone out of the way.

Drive as closely as is safely practical to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, stop and park.

During a police stop, drivers should keep their hands on the steering wheel and passengers should keep their hands in plain view.

An officer walking up cannot know who is in the car. Hands in sight keep the stop calm for everyone.

Drivers should keep their hands on the steering wheel and passengers should keep their hands in plain view.

Drivers should tell the officer if they have a handgun permit and if they are armed.

An officer who learns about a gun by surprise may react fast. Saying so up front keeps the stop safe.

Drivers should advise officers if they have a handgun permit and if they are armed.

During a traffic stop, keep all doors closed and stay in the vehicle unless asked to get out.

Getting out without being asked can look like a threat. It also puts you on foot beside moving traffic.

Keep all vehicle doors closed and remain in the vehicle unless asked to get out.

If you are stopped after dark, turn on your interior light before the officer walks up.

In the dark the officer cannot see inside your car. A lit car shows there is nothing to fear.

If the stop is made after dark, turn on the vehicle’s interior light before the officer approaches.

If you disagree with a ticket or other action at a stop, do not argue with the officer at the scene; it is decided in court.

Arguing at the roadside cannot change the ticket and can make things worse. A judge is where you get a fair hearing.

If enforcement action is taken against you that you disagree with, do not argue with the officer at the scene.

If an unmarked police car directs you to pull over, you may drive slowly a short distance to the nearest place with other people, such as a business parking lot or the next exit.

Alone at night on a dark road, you cannot be sure who is behind you. A lit, busy spot keeps you safe while still obeying.

If you find yourself being directed to pull over and stop by someone in an UNMARKED police car, you may drive slowly a short distance to the nearest area where there are other people, such as the next business parking lot or the next exit, if on the interstate.

How will a police vehicle signal you to stop?

Flashing blue or blue and red lights. Knowing the signal tells you a stop is real. You can pull over calmly instead of guessing. Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, p.52: “Police vehicles attempting to stop drivers will do so by means of a visual, flashing blue or flashing blue and red lights, and/or an audible signal.”