It’s a situation most drivers dread: you see flashing red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. Your stomach drops. Maybe you were speeding, maybe you forgot to signal—or maybe you’re not even sure why you’re being pulled over.
No matter the reason, what happens next can make a big difference in how the stop ends.
At Monks Law Firm, we’ve helped countless people handle traffic tickets in Houston—from speeding tickets to DWI arrests. We’ve seen how a calm, informed response during a traffic stop can protect your rights and even prevent bigger problems later.
Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) say when stopped by the police in Houston.
First, Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely
The first thing you should do when you see those lights is signal and pull over as soon as it’s safe. Use your turn signal, move to the right side of the road, and stop in a safe, well-lit area.
If it’s dark, turn on your interior light so the officer can see inside your car. Roll down your window and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel. These small actions can help lower tension right away.
Avoid making sudden movements or reaching for anything until the officer asks for it.
What to Say (and When to Stay Quiet)
Once the officer approaches, they’ll likely ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance. Hand them over without argument.
Then, the questions begin.
“How fast were you going?”
“Do you know why I pulled you over?”
“Have you been drinking tonight?”
This is where it’s important to understand your rights—and your limits.
You don’t have to admit guilt. You’re required to identify yourself, but you’re not required to answer questions that could be used against you later. A polite, neutral response like, “I’m not sure, officer,” or “I prefer not to answer any questions,” is enough.
It’s legal to remain silent, and it won’t automatically make you look guilty. It protects you.
Avoid Arguing or Talking Too Much
A traffic stop is not the place to argue your case. Even if you believe the officer is wrong, stay polite and calm. Anything you say can be written in their report—and may show up later in court.
Saying too much is one of the most common mistakes drivers make during traffic stops in Houston. Trying to talk your way out of a ticket can sometimes make things worse.
If you believe you were stopped unfairly, keep notes afterward or record what happened once the stop is over. Your attorney can help you handle it later.
When You’re Asked to Step Out of the Car
If the officer asks you to step out of your vehicle, do it slowly and calmly. Texas law allows officers to ask drivers to exit the car during a lawful stop.
You can ask, “Am I being detained or am I free to go?” If the officer says you’re being detained, you have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney before answering questions.
If you’re arrested, stay calm and don’t resist. Even if you think the arrest is unjustified, resisting only adds new charges and complicates your case.
What to Do During a DWI or Drug Stop
If the stop involves suspected drunk or impaired driving, things can escalate quickly. Officers may ask you to take field sobriety tests or a breath test.
You have the right to refuse both—but refusing can have consequences. Under Texas’s “implied consent” law, refusing a breath or blood test can lead to an automatic license suspension.
That doesn’t mean you have to admit guilt. You can say, “I want to speak with an attorney before answering further questions.” Then stop talking.
At Monks Law Firm, we regularly defend clients charged with DWI and other traffic-related offenses. We also help drivers apply for an occupational driver’s license, which allows limited driving privileges if your license is suspended.
So even if a DWI arrest happens, you still have options.
What You Should Never Say
Some phrases cause more harm than good during traffic stops in Houston. Here are a few to avoid:
- “I only had one drink.”
- “I didn’t see the speed limit sign.”
- “I was just going with traffic.”
- “I know I was speeding, but everyone does it.”
- “I’m sorry, officer.” (This can sound like an admission of guilt.)
Instead, keep your responses short and respectful. Provide your documents, stay calm, and wait for clear instructions.
Recording the Stop
You have the right to record your traffic stop in Texas—as long as you don’t interfere with the officer’s duties. Use your phone to record video or audio if you feel unsafe or want to document the encounter.
Let the officer know you’re recording, and keep your phone where it’s visible.
This can be especially helpful later if you believe your rights were violated or the officer acted improperly.
After the Stop: What Happens Next
If you receive a ticket, don’t panic. Signing it is not an admission of guilt—it just confirms that you received it.
If you’re arrested, remember that you still have rights. You don’t have to answer questions without a lawyer present. Ask to contact your attorney as soon as possible.
Once you’re released, write down everything you remember: the officer’s name, badge number, location, time, and details about what was said. That information helps your lawyer build your defense.
Whether it’s a speeding ticket, a DWI, or another traffic offense, Monks Law Firm can help you understand your options and protect your license.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Traffic Stops in Houston
- Admitting guilt on the spot. Even a simple apology can be used against you.
- Reaching for documents too quickly. Wait until the officer asks.
- Getting angry. Losing your temper can escalate the situation fast.
- Arguing about the ticket. Save that for court.
- Forgetting to ask for legal help. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your outcome.
When to Call a Lawyer
If your stop leads to an arrest, ticket, or license suspension, get legal advice before paying fines or pleading guilty. Some charges—like reckless driving or DWI—carry long-term consequences, including higher insurance rates and possible jail time.
A local attorney familiar with traffic offenses in Houston can review your case, look for errors in how the stop was handled, and fight to reduce or dismiss charges.
If you’ve been stopped, ticketed, or arrested after a traffic stop in Houston, contact Monks Law Firm. Our Houston-based attorneys can help you understand your options, defend your case, and get you back on the road.
