I got out the car

[Terry]

My first ticket, I was so nervous, I just handed the policeman my entire wallet.
He got real mad and said I wasn't doing it right.
They don't really tell you how to get your first ticket.

Hey dad, tell he what to do when I get my first ticket.

Yeah right.
All he ever said was,

"Don't get a ticket and embarrass me."

I guess I didn't have that part figured out real well.
I think I got three tickets in six weeks.

One ticket, the cop followed me for one mile, and waited until I was in front of my fathers house, to pull me over.
They knew where he lived, he was the judge.

So Ian, never hand the cop your wallet.
They will think you are trying to bribe them.
Even if you are sixteen, and there isn't any money in the wallet.
They're funny that way.

Also, remember to turn off the radio.

[FloridaOrange]

They knew where he lived, he was the judge.

And you didn't follow in your father's footsteps? (rhetorical obviously).
I could see the double edged sword with your father being the judge.



I've had my license suspended three times due to failure to pay tickets. Used to get pulled over and searched almost every weekend. That was a long time ago - I can't remember the last speeding ticket I got. I didn't slow down, just got smarter, I hit triple digits in my sister's Solara on Sunday.

[Terry]

And you didn't follow in your father's footsteps? (rhetorical obviously).

Way too many years of school.
I liked doing things with my hands and designing things.

I stopped getting tickets when I moved out of town,
They didn't know who I was anymore.
I finally got a "warning" instead of a ticket.

I was finally like any other guy they pulled over!

[Gary Swart]

Ian, it is very common knowledge that when stopped by the police, you remain in the car, do not reach for anything in the glove compartment, and you keep your hands on the steer wheel in plain view. You know you're a good guy and have not bad intentions, but the police have no way to know that. I would point out that although these examples are not as a result of a traffic stop, there are crazy animals in this world. About 3 weeks ago, a Seattle police officer was executed in his police car. Less than 2 weeks ago, a North Las Vegas police officer, whom I knew as a youth, was killed by gang bangers, and just today, 4 Lakewood (Tacoma, WA) police officers were executed. I can tell you, things like this make police officers more than a little edgy. A person getting out of his car during a traffic stop risks a 50K volt taser at best, and at worst a 9mm bullet. You do not give the officer you wallet because there are those who would later accuse him of stealing that $100 bill. Remove the license from the wallet and hand it to him. When he asks for you proof of insurance, then open the glove compartment. If he asks you to step out of the vehicle, then do so, but never reach into your pockets. Remember, the officer does not know who you are or what you may be.