Slowing Down When Seeing Police: A Traffic Violation in the US?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a police car suddenly appears behind you on the road, leading you to quickly slow down? In the United States, is it a traffic violation if you slow down too abruptly when a police car is following you?

While it's generally not illegal to slow down when a police car appears behind you, particularly if you are not committing any other traffic violations, this action might raise red flags to the officer. Unless the police car is responding to an emergency call, the officer may begin a thorough inspection of your vehicle, looking for signs of any other possible violations, such as a burnt-out tail light. This is known as 'reasonable cause.' Once the officer has pulled you over, they may conduct a more in-depth investigation into your behavior.

For instance, if the officer determines that you were driving in a manner that suggests you were trying to evade a speeding ticket, they may issue you a so-called 'fix-it' ticket. However, if the officer concludes that there was more serious misconduct, they will likely take you to court. In short, while slowing down upon seeing a police car is not technically illegal, it may lead to an unnecessary and potentially lengthy encounter with law enforcement.

What Should You Do if a Police Car is Following You?

It's important to know what you should do if a police car starts to follow you on the road. Some people suggest speeding up to challenge the officer, while others recommend slowing down abruptly. Neither approach is advisable, as each can create suspicion and lead to traffic violations. Instead, it's best to keep a calm and composed demeanor and avoid sudden changes in speed or behavior.

My father once told me, 'Never slow down when you pass a policeman in the opposite lane who is going the other way.' This advice is based on the principle that slowing down when you see a police vehicle can be interpreted as a sign of guilt or the act of trying to avoid a speeding ticket. Similarly, if a police car suddenly appears in your rearview mirror, it's best to keep your speed steady and avoid any unnecessary actions.

In some rare cases, the 'confession' through your actions (slowing down) may be enough to trigger an immediate response from the police. The abrupt action of slowing down can sometimes be enough for an officer to turn on the blue lights, leading to a traffic stop. Therefore, it's crucial to remain vigilant and strategic while driving, especially in areas with high police presence.

Attitudes of Police Officers

Police officer attitudes can vary from country to country, but generally, they are there to serve the community. However, there are a few who may enjoy the sense of power that comes with pulling someone over. This story, while originating from the UK, serves as a reminder for drivers in the US to stay cautious and avoid actions that might be misinterpreted by law enforcement.

A Personal Experience

One fateful night, I was driving at 99 mph, which is just above the legal limit in the US (100 mph often results in a suspended license). I was on high alert for police cars and noticed a car coming up behind me at 105 mph. The other vehicles behind me didn't seem to be slowing down, and I didn't spot any light bars. As the car approached, I noticed the letter "P" on the door, indicating a police vehicle.

Without hesitation, I slammed on the brakes and slowed down to 70 mph just as the blue lights activated. However, the blue lights quickly went out, and the police car continued at 105 mph. I was certain that by slowing down just in time, I had convinced the officer that I was observant enough to notice the police car and that I was doing the right thing by reducing my speed.

Stories like this highlight the importance of staying calm and composed while dealing with law enforcement. While closing down abruptly may seem like a valid defense, it can often lead to unnecessary complications. It's always best to maintain a balanced approach and prioritize road safety and legal compliance.

In conclusion, while it's not a traffic violation to slow down when a police car appears behind you, doing so might lead to a prolonged interaction with law enforcement. Always drive defensively, follow traffic rules, and remain vigilant on the road to avoid any unnecessary complications.