Stopped by Police? Our Guide to what you should do

Stopped by the police?

Here’s our essential guide as to what you should do

• STOP AT THE NEAREST SAFE LOCATION. If you panic and stop in an unsafe location this could lead to an accident and even result in you being charged with careless or dangerous driving. Once stopped in a safe location turn off your engine.

• REMAIN CALM. This is easier said than done but it is important that your anxiety doesn’t inadvertently make the situation more complicated for you.

• START RECORDING. Taking a video or audio recording of your interaction with the police is a useful way of protecting yourself as it ensures that there is an accurate record of what has happened and been said during your interaction with police in the event you are charged with an offence. If you can’t record the interaction with police be sure to listen carefully and ask for an explanation if you are unsure of anything so you know exactly what you are accused of and what will happen next.

• BE POLITE & RESPECTFUL. Nobody wants to be stopped by the police but if you become aggressive, rude or argumentative it can make the situation more complicated.

• ASK WHY YOU’VE BEEN STOPPED. If the police don’t immediately explain why you have been stopped, ask them! It’s important that you understand why you have been stopped so you understand the precise nature of the situation you find yourself in.

• PROVIDE BASIC DETAILS. If asked provide the police with your driving licence, if you have it, and confirm your name, date of birth and address.

• PROVIDE A SPECIMEN OF BREATH OR SALIVA IF REQUESTED. If you are asked to provide a specimen of breath or saliva, as the police suspect you are under the influence of drink or drugs, it is an offence not to provide the specimen without a reasonable excuse. If you can provide a specimen agree to provide same and follow the instructions of the police officers on how to provide the specimen. For more information on this click here.

• YOU DON’T NEED TO SAY ANYTHING ELSE. You are under no obligation to volunteer any information or answer any other questions in relation to any alleged offence. This does not affect your ability to present a full defence at a later stage. If you feel you can provide information to the police that will prove you have not committed an offence e.g. show insurance documentation, then you may wish to do so but it is important that you are careful not to say something or do anything that could incriminate you.

• IF CHARGED TAKE DETAILED NOTES ASAP. As soon as is reasonably practical take detailed notes of what you what happened immediately prior to being stopped by police while your memory is fresh. If you were unable to record the interaction you have had with the police take detailed notes of what was said also. These notes may be very important to your case at a later stage.

• CALL SHERIDAN ROAD TRAFFIC LAW FOR A FREE EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE ON 0141 465 3333 OR USE OUR CONTACT US PAGE