Knowing your rights at a traffic stop is important. The statements you make or the actions you take at a traffic stop can make a major difference in what happens next.
At a routine traffic stop, police officers generally ask your name and to see your driver’s license, registration or other documents. You must provide them.
But what if the police officer asks you to step out of your vehicle? If you do not know why they are asking and do not believe you have done anything wrong, you might be tempted to say no.
Yes, you must exit your vehicle
However, under Florida law, it is legal for a police officer to order you to exit your vehicle during a traffic stop.
Officer safety is one of the reasons for this law. Traffic stops are considered naturally dangerous to police officers. When drivers exist their vehicles, officers can get a better idea of the situation and maintain their safety.
Although officers can order you to step out of your vehicle, they typically need reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or that there is a safety risk.
Generally, if you are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction, such as a non-working brake light, and you cooperate with the officer and provide your documentation, there should be no reason for you to exit your vehicle.
If the officer smells alcohol on your breath, or you act combative or refuse to provide your documents, this could provide the officer with reasonable suspicion that you are committing a crime or that you are a safety threat. They may then ask you to step out of your vehicle.
How to act when asked to exit your vehicle
If you are asked to step out of your vehicle, it is best to do so and follow the officer’s instructions, even if you do not believe there was reasonable suspicion. When you refuse to follow an officer’s commands, you could be viewed as resisting.
Remain calm and cooperate. If you believe your rights were violated, it is best to talk with a professional afterwards to learn more.