If a cop pulls you over and asks you "do you know why I pulled you over?" what should you say?

Question

I mean what if he pulled you over for something else, now you're in trouble for two things. On the other hand, doesn't it look bad if you don't know as if you were, what's the word, ignorant?

Answer 1

That question is a double edged sword, because no matter how you answer it, it will not work in your favor. You either say "yes", and you admit to the violation, or you say "no" and you admit you were not paying attention. However, admitting to a violation is not going to make or break the officer's case against you. Traffic laws are "strict liability". That means intent is not an element, and the officer does not have to prove you had knowledge of the violation, and it does not matter if it is intentional or accidental.

In my area, that question has not been taught to new officers since I've been on the job. We are taught to advise the driver immediately for the reason for the stop, and then ask if there is a reason for it.

The bottom line, it doesn't matter what you say, the officer has most likely already decided what he is going to do before he ever gets to your window.

Answer 2

why not just wait for him to tell you, after all he initiated the encounter! you have the right to remain silent!!! *hint*

Answer 3

Try "No Officer i don't know why you stopped me" or "because i was speeding"  

Answer 4

If you know be honest.  If you do not know tell them that.  

Answer 5

Just say, "why don't you tell me officer?"

Answer 6

You pulled me over because you smelt the donuts in my car?

Answer 7

To be honest with you, it's to have you self incriminate yourself.  If you were speeding and you say, "Becuase I was speeding." then later you go and try to fight it in court, the officer will tell the judge what your response was to that question (if he/she didn't record it to begin with.) and you can't use the excuse you were not speeding.  It doesn't really matter what you say, it's not like if you don't answer it, you're a shoe in to have the citation dismissed. The officer has already made up his/her mind to give you the ticket but I bet if you answer it in some of the lame ways the other answers to your question you will have a pretty good chance of getting that ticket.  

Just be polite and respectful.

Good luck what ever you do.

Answer 8

You always have to say "  No sir i do not know why you pulled me over ? What is the reason for this ineffectual stop?

Answer 9

You don't know either? They love that.

Answer 10

You're right.

Cop:  Do you know why I pulled you over?

Driver:  Because I have a body in the trunk?

Cop:  What?

Driver:  Maybe you should just tell me your reason.

Cop:  Do you have a body in the trunk?

Driver:  Not a complete one.

Cop:  What?

Driver:  Sorry, was I speeding?

(Do not do this if you actually DO have a body in the trunk.)

Answer 11

Say I don't know. Do you know why?

Answer 12

If the answer to why you got pulled over is obvious such as you were driving 125mph in a 15mph school zone then you have nothing to lose by answering the question( you screwed either way). If it is not obvious or your not positive then be respectful and say ' I am really not sure officer" Do not be a wise *** or make any stupid comments and you might be on your way with warning. ALWAYS remember when you are pulled over to keep your hands on the steering wheel and turn on your interior lights if it is night time.DO NOT reach for a wallet or anything else unless told to do so! If you start moving around in a dark car and have your hands where they can't be seen you are going to make the officer nervous and probably not going to get a warning.

Answer 13

Personally if i did not have anything in my car illegal and I was not drinking and had no warrants  would mess with them and say well since you are the one that went through all those many years in school to get this wonderfully high paying Job nd you have the badge so that proves you are extremely smart why don;t we save time and you tell me.  :0)

Of course being nice likely is better and that answer would be honestly Officer i have no idea.

Answer 14

That's depend.

If it's a cop?

"Sorry sir ! Overlook ! "

If it's a highway man with the mask?

Keep the change.

All in a day's work.

Luke 8.10,17

What do you think?

Answer 15

Answer: "Because you thought I had a box of doughnuts in my car?"