British Accents & Vehicle Registration | Utah Criminal Defense Attorney Tip of the Week

Police officers do a lot of good for the community. One of their most well-known tasks is patrolling and ensuring everyone in their jurisdiction follows driving laws. From speeding tickets to citations and warnings, seeing the flashing lights of a cop car behind you is never fun.  

What Doesn’t Work

If the police ever pull you over, here are a few things you shouldn’t do:

• Fake a British accent and claim to be a diplomat: While diplomatic immunity seems like a novelty, it won’t get you out of a ticket. 
• Use inappropriate humor: While saying, “I was just racing to beat you here!” might seem funny, they won’t see it that way.
• Move suddenly: Sudden movements can be misinterpreted as dangerous, so don’t reach for anything without explaining. 
• Admit guilt immediately: It may seem like a good idea, but you should always avoid admitting guilt. Simply answer questions directly without confessing. “Do you know how fast you were going?” isn’t a cue to say, “Yeah, 90 in a 50!”

What Works

To avoid being pulled over, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keep your registration and insurance current: Officers often run “registration and insurance checks” on nearby vehicles at stoplights or cars they want to pull over and search.
• Working lights: Regularly check that all lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals—are functioning.
• Follow the speed limit: This may seem obvious, but it’s important. Don’t go too far below or above the posted speed limit.
• No cell phone use: Don’t text, call, or use your phone while driving. 

Getting pulled over by a police officer is enough to send your heart thumping and pulse rushing, but with these helpful tips, you can drive peacefully to and from your appointments without stress. At Intermountain Legal, our business is knowing the ins and outs of Utah law. Our attorneys are here to help in any tight situation. Reach out to us today if you need legal assistance.