Richland County sheriff says to remember these tips next time you get pulled over

Do you know what to do when you’re pulled over by a police officer?

In an effort to educate the public about proper conduct during a traffic stop, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott has offered several tips to remember the next time you get pulled over.

Lott said these tips have been designed to assist in ensuring driver and officer safety during traffic stops.

Lott said if you see lights and sirens behind you:

▪  Immediately pull over to the nearest right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. Stay away from intersections.

▪  Stop and remain in such position until the emergency vehicle has either passed or wait for the officer to approach your car.

If you are being pulled over:

▪  Stay in the vehicle and keep your hands visible at all times.

▪  If it is dark outside, turn on your vehicle’s interior lights.

▪  Be prepared to present your valid driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance. Such documentation can and will be requested by the officer in accordance with South Carolina law.

▪  If something is unclear, ask the officer for clarification and be honest.

▪  Be reminded that accepting a citation is not an admission of guilt. You will have the opportunity to contest the citation later in court. Do not contest the citation with the officer.

Reasons for a traffic stop:

▪  Traffic violations.

▪  Probable cause to make an arrest.

▪  Reasonable suspicion of criminal activity based on personal observations, information from other officers, police radio or a witness.

▪  Outstanding warrants.

▪  Minor infractions such as darkly tinted windows, inoperative equipment or failing to signal before a turn.

▪  Terry Stops: When a deputy stops a vehicle for questioning or if the deputy reasonably suspects the driver has committed, is committing or is about to commit a crime. The officer is not required to have probable cause to arrest an individual at the time of contact but may have reasonable suspicion the individual is involved in criminal activity. The information and evidence obtained through a Terry Stop is acceptable as long as it was the result of reasonable suspicion that a crime occurred.