If police decide to pull you over it should be done in the safest and soonest possible way. In Texas if an emergency vehicle drives behind you with audible sounds or visual lights you must immediately attempt to move to the right of the roadway.

Sec. 545.156. VEHICLE APPROACHED BY AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE.

(a) On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, or of a police vehicle lawfully using only an audible or visual signal, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall: (1) yield the right-of-way; (2) immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection; and(3) stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

(b) This section does not exempt the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.Amended by: Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 860 (H.B. 2837), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2019.

What Do I Do After I’m Pulled Over?

After being pulled over by the police they will want to see identification. Whether you think they had a right to pull you over or not the you should be ready to provide identification to the requesting officer when asked. For a driver issued a ticket for an alleged violation, the time to argue the case is in court-Not on the roadside.

You will want to keep your hands near the top of the steering wheel so there is no appearance of reaching for a weapon. Cops are shot during encounters. They know this happens and will presume every encounter with a stranger has that potential outcome.

Where to Pullover for Police on Highway

The usual place to pull over for the police is out of the flow of traffic and safely off the roadway. The officer will usually have a loud speaker and direct the driver to continue to further to another location if the current one will not do.

Usually pulling over to the right side of the road is the preferable location. Generally slower traffic is supposed to drive further to the right. (But we all see slow drivers in the passing lane so not everyone practices that.) There may be occasions where a driver is being pulled over and the only option is to pull over on the left. There may be a large space on the left or while driving on a one way street or highway.

The most important factor is getting out of traffic and giving the officer the appearance that the driver is attempting with effort to find a safe place to stop. Allowing the officer to safely park out of traffic would be a kind gesture to start off the conversation as well.

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