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Indiana driving guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
What to Do When You Get Pulled Over in Indiana
Seeing lights in the mirror can rattle any driver. The Indiana Driver's Manual from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) lists simple steps that keep a traffic stop safe for you, your passengers and the officer. Here they are, step by step.
Right signalacknowledge the officer
Right shouldernever the median
Hands visibleon the wheel and laps
Signa ticket is not an admission
The short answer
Turn on your right turn signal, move to the right shoulder and stop as soon as it is safe, in a lit area if possible. Turn off the radio, end phone calls, stay in the car and keep hands visible. Tell the officer where your license, registration and insurance are before reaching. If you get a ticket, do not refuse to sign it; if you believe it is unfair, you can present your case in traffic court.
Why the steps matter
The Indiana Driver's Manual says traffic stops create unknown risk and can be stressful for both the police officer and the motorist. The purpose of a traffic stop is to make sure the driver is safe and complying with the law, and the manual lists suggestions for the safety of the driver, passengers and officers.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
When you see lights behind you
- Turn on your right turn signal. It lets the officer know you recognize their presence. If you do not acknowledge them, an officer might perceive that you have a reason to avoid yielding or that you might be impaired.
- Move to the right-side shoulder. The officer will guide you using the patrol vehicle. Do not stop in the center median of a freeway or on the opposite side of a two-lane road. If there is no shoulder, or it is too narrow, find the next safest place.
- Pull over as soon as you safely can, as far off the roadway as possible, in a well-lit area when possible. When it is dark, look for places with more light, such as street or freeway lights, restaurants or service stations.
- Cannot stop right away? Slow down and turn on your hazard lights to show you are actively looking for a safe place to stop.
- At night, you are encouraged to turn on the interior light.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Once you are stopped
| Step | What the manual suggests |
|---|---|
| Phone and radio | End cell phone conversations and turn off your radio so you can give the officer your full attention |
| Stay in the vehicle | Remain inside unless the officer directs you to step out; in most situations it is the safest place for you and your passengers |
| Hands in view | Driver's hands on the steering wheel; passengers' hands visible on their laps |
| Tinted windows | Roll down all windows after stopping and before the officer makes contact |
| Documents | You need a valid driver's license, registration and insurance; if they are in the glove box or under the seat, or your proof of insurance is on your phone, tell the officer first and follow directions before reaching for them |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
If you get a ticket
If the stop results in a ticket or arrest, the manual says you should not:
- Debate the reason for the stop or argue with the officer
- Refuse to sign a ticket. A traffic ticket requires the driver's signature; signing is not an admission of guilt, only an acknowledgment that you received it
- Be uncooperative at the scene. If a driver is suspected of drunk driving, refusing breath, urine, blood or performance tests can result in the loss of driving privileges
- Argue about the ticket when it is issued. If you believe it was unfair, you will have the opportunity to present your case in traffic court
- Resist arrest if taken into custody
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Respect goes both ways
The manual says a driver is to be treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement officers. Officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers upon request. If you believe an officer acted inappropriately, report it as soon as possible to the officer's superiors; written complaints can be filed with the agency's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. Police officers are legally required to document all traffic stops, including the driver's name and address for data collection.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Keep your lights and signals working at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Working turn signals, brake lights and hazard lights matter at every stop; ask our service team to check them.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Traffic stops in Indiana: FAQ
What should I do first when I get pulled over in Indiana?
Turn on your right turn signal to acknowledge the officer, then move to the right-side shoulder and pull over as soon as you safely can, in a well-lit spot when possible.
What if I cannot find a safe place to pull over right away?
The manual says to slow down and turn on your hazard lights. This tells the officer you acknowledge them and are actively looking for a safe place to stop.
Should I get out of my car during a traffic stop?
No, not unless the officer directs you to. The manual says in most situations the safest place for you and your passengers is inside your vehicle.
What documents do I need at a traffic stop in Indiana?
A valid driver's license, registration and insurance. If they are in the glove box or under a seat, or your proof of insurance is on your phone, tell the officer first and follow their directions before reaching for them.
Does signing a ticket mean I am admitting guilt?
No. The manual says signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt, only an acknowledgment that you received it. If you think it was unfair, you can present your case in traffic court.
Can I ask for an officer's name and badge number?
Yes. The manual says officers are required to provide their names and badge numbers upon request.
More Indiana driving guides
See our Indiana hands-free driving law, speed limits and title and registration guides, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Traffic stop guidance is from the Traffic Stops by Law Enforcement section in Chapter 8 of the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
- Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 8: Accidents and Emergency Situations (PDF), Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026