The moment those lights flash behind you and you pull over, the interaction has already started — even before anyone says a word. The officer is watching. That’s just reality. And one of the simplest things you can do to keep things calm is to put both hands on the steering wheel and leave them there.
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is pretty direct about it: keep your hands on the steering wheel or somewhere visible so they’re easy to see. It sounds almost too simple. But it matters.
Here’s why. From an officer’s perspective, they don’t know you. They don’t know why you were driving the way you were, what’s in the car, or what kind of situation they’re walking into. Hands they can’t see make that uncertainty worse. According to the Chatham County Police Department, reaching under your seat or into your glove box — even just to grab your registration early — can make an officer think you might be going for a weapon. That’s when things escalate fast.
If it’s nighttime, turn on your interior light too. A lit cabin lets the officer see inside clearly, which reduces their concern before they even get to your window.
Wait for them to ask for your license and registration before you start digging for it. Don’t rush it. If you need to reach into the glove box, say so first — something like “My registration is in the glove box, is it okay if I grab it?” Simple communication, big difference.
None of this means you’re doing anything wrong. These tips are about keeping the situation calm and predictable for everyone involved. Keep your hands visible, follow their instructions, and stay as calm as you can.
If a stop ever feels unfair or unsafe, you have rights — see the callout below.