What to Avoid Doing Behind the Wheel
Getting pulled over can be frightening—especially when you're not sure what you've done wrong. While speeding is the most common reason drivers get flagged down, many other actions are also considered serious traffic violations, so it's important to always follow the rules of the road. Here are the 20 top reasons why you might get pulled over so you know what not to do behind the wheel.
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1. Tailgating
Following behind someone too closely is not only dangerous for you and the driver in front, but it could also cost you a ticket. You should always establish safe distances—a minimum of three seconds—between you and other cars when you're on the road to prevent accidents.
2. Weaving In and Out of Lanes
Weaving in and out of lanes or driving "wobbly" will definitely catch the attention of police enforcement. Why? Because it shows you're either: driving distracted, driving under the influence, or falling asleep at the wheel. A safe driver stays in their respective lane—no straddling the line or making constant changes.
3. Speeding
Speeding is one of, if not the most, common reasons why you might get pulled over. Usually, this happens if you're far over the limit, or you're driving in an area with a stricter speed maximum. For you and the safety of others around you, slow down.
4. Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Do you have a habit of not strapping yourself in when you drive? It's time to change that habit. The chances of getting into a fatal accident when you choose to not wear one is the same as flipping a coin—50%. Consider yourself lucky if you only walk away with a ticket.
5. Not Using Your Signals
Even if you're in a turn lane, don't forget to turn your blinkers on. Not using your signals can confuse other drivers, which may lead to road rage and accidents. If you're caught by the police, you'll be charged at least $100 in the US, depending on which state you're from.
6. Illegal Tint
Sure, you might think it's cool to tint your car windows darker than the accepted percentage, but you can get charged for doing so. In California, for example, you're only allowed to tint up to 70%. Any more and it can be a safety hazard.
7. Not Stopping at Stop Signs
Rolling stops don't count as full stops. Whether you're at a four-way or a two-way intersection, make sure you come to a complete halt at the line. If you're making a turn, you can start to move forward when it's your time to do so. It can also be easy to miss stop signs sometimes, so make sure to stay alert when driving.
8. Texting While Driving
Distracted driving is another common reason why drivers get pulled over. Whether it's replying to a text, changing the radio station, eating or drinking, if your full focus isn't on the road, you can be caught by police enforcement. Wait until you're at your destination before you shift your attention away, or park somewhere safe if you must attend to it immediately.
9. Having Fog Lights On When Unnecessary
If you turn on your brights, whether by accident or not, when the weather conditions don't call for it, you can get ticketed. This is because these lights are blinding, and can obstruct or disorient other drivers in normal visibility.
10. Expired License Plate
Driving with an expired license plate is another reason you may get pulled over, and it's an easy one to overlook, so make sure you keep your vehicle insurance up to date. You should also ensure you don't have any license plate frames and stickers blocking out important numbers and letters.
11. Making an Illegal Turn
Making a left on a no-left-turn lane will get you flagged. Even if they're not immediately apparent, there are specific reasons why these rules are enforced on certain roads. So while you might think it odd, don't try to go against the law and turn anyway.
12. Driving with a Deflated Tire
It's extremely dangerous to drive with a deflated or flat tire. You could lose control and critically hurt yourself and others around you, and it could also cause expensive repairs and damage to your vehicle. To avoid getting caught by police when you find yourself in this situation, put on your hazard lights and pull over somewhere safe immediately.
13. Loud Exhaust
If your exhaust is broken, make sure you get it fixed right away. Not only can it be noisy and attract unwanted attention, but it can also release more harmful gases into the environment. In the US, you can be charged anywhere from $150 to $1,000 for a loud or defective exhaust.
14. Driving Too Slow
Believe it or not, you can also be pulled over by police for driving under the speed limit. While speeding increases the distance you'll need to stop (as well as your reaction time), driving too slow obstructs others on the road, and may cause impatient drivers to do dangerous maneuvers.
15. Running a Red Light
It's not only just running a red that will get you flashing sirens, but you could even get a ticket for not slowing down on a yellow. Even if you manage to not hurt anyone, it's still a serious offense. And don't think that you're off the hook if you're not caught immediately—there could be cameras at traffic lights recording the violation.
16. Broken Lights or Parts
A broken headlight or taillight can also get you pulled over by the police. It's considered a traffic violation since it can be hazardous for you and other drivers on the road. Additionally, you don't want to be driving with a cracked window or a smashed side mirror, Ensure you get defective parts fixed as soon as you can.
Karlee-J-Photography on Pixabay
17. Throwing Things Out Your Window
Don't like having garbage in your car? Well, you can either invest in a small garbage can or clean your car regularly. What you shouldn't do is toss wrappers out the window. Not only is littering bad, but you can also get ticketed for it. Do yourself and the environment a favor and don't do it.
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18. Cutting Off Other Drivers
Driving can be frustrating, but it's important to keep your emotions at bay. Engaging in road rage by doing dangerous moves or deliberately cutting off other drivers will only be hazardous to you and those around you. If you're caught by a police officer, expect a ticket.
19. Unsafe or Unsecured Loads
Whether you're transporting a bike or moving boxes, it's important you keep objects and loads safely secured to your vehicle. Not doing so can result in these items rolling onto the road or into other cars, which can cause serious accidents.
20. Illegal Lane Change
Similarly to cutting off another driver, you can also get in trouble for illegal land changes. This means crossing over solid lines, improper signalling, or any action that can cause danger to you and the driver of the lane you're merging into.
