How do you know if police want you to stop?

In most cases, if a police car wants you to stop your vehicle, they’ll just start flashing their blue lights and possibly start their siren. They will then use their left-hand indicator to let you know that you need to pull over.

Why do police slow down traffic?

These are known as “traffic breaks” and CHP does it to slow cars down to create a gap in the flow of traffic a few miles down. Common reasons for this are to allow a separate cruiser to clear an object on the road, investigate an accident scene, or to allow construction vehicles to maneuver.

What does it mean when a cop Zig Zag freeway?

Removing hazards from the roadway is part of a CHP officer’s duties. Therefore, from time to time, you may see an officer driving a patrol vehicle in a zigzag motion, crossing all lanes of the freeway. This zigzag motion is intended to keep the motorists behind the CHP vehicle.

What’s the average speed limit in California?

Generally, the speed limit on multilane freeways is 65 mph, though in some areas it is 70 mph. On two-lane highways, the limit is generally 55 mph. The speed limit on city streets is usually 35 mph, though in residential areas and near schools, the limit is generally 25 mph.

What does it mean when cops swerve on freeway?

It’s called a “traffic break.” A patrol car with lights and siren on weaves across all lanes rapidly, gradually slowing, so that traffic stays behind him. It’s used when there is an accident, high-risk car stop, or other road hazard ahead.

What do cops look for when they see a distracted driver?

Should a cop see you driving below the speed limit with a smartphone in your hand, you’re basically asking to get stopped. Other signs police look for in distracted drivers include weaving in and out of your lane, looking down, stopping for too long at stop signs and red lights, and talking animatedly, even without anyone else in the car.

How fast can you drive without getting caught by the police?

(Distracted driving is number one, drunk driving comes in third.) That said, as a general matter you can probably drive a few miles per hour above the speed limit without attracting the attention of police officers, according to every police officer we spoke to—including retired Police Captain Michael Palardy (Millburn, NJ).

What are the dangers of distracted driving and speeding?

Distracted driving is dangerous. Distracted speeding is doubly dangerous. Driving with your attention on something other than the road is when you’re likely to drive too slowly, says Hamburger. If you’re driving significantly below the speed limit, you’re going to attract attention.

What happens if you get pulled over for driving over the speed limit?

If the only thing you’re doing wrong is driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit, says Harold Hilliard, retired Plano, Texas police officer, you’ll probably be fine. However, if you do get pulled over, all it takes is going one mile per hour faster than the posted speed limit to get a ticket, says insurance advisor, Bradley Hamburger.