1. OMAHA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Traffic Stops

2. Pull over as soon as you can do so safely.
If a police car turns on their lights behind you while driving, you must pull your car over to the side of the road.
Sometimes they might also turn on their siren.
Pull over as soon as you can do so safely.

3. What to do if you are stopped by police while driving a vehicle:
Cultural Orientation
TRAFFIC STOPS
What to do if you are stopped by police while driving a vehicle:
Carefully pull your car over to the RIGHT side of the road
Once you are safely out of traffic – put your car in PARK
Stay in your vehicle
Roll down your window
Keep your hands on the steering wheel

4. Cultural Orientation TRAFFIC STOPS
The police officer will walk to your car window.
The police officer will need:
Your driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Proof of insurance

5. Cultural Orientation TRAFFIC STOPS
The police officer will take your documents and return to his car.
Stay in your vehicle.
After the police officer checks your information on his computer, he will walk back to your car.
The police officer will return your documents.
The police officer might give you a ticket or they might tell you there is no problem.

6. Cultural Orientation TRAFFIC STOPS
The police officer will explain any traffic citations (a “ticket”) issued to you.
If the officer gives you a traffic citation:
You must sign the citation
with your name
If you feel the citation is not correct,
you are assigned a date to go to court.
You will be able to tell a judge why you do not agree with the ticket. The judge will decide if you have to pay or not.

7. Cultural Orientation TRAFFIC STOPS
After the police officer is done explaining the problem, they will tell you it is OK to drive away.
Check to make sure there is no traffic, put on your turn signal, and carefully drive away.
The police officer will stay parked for some time while they complete their paperwork.

8. Cultural Orientation TRAFFIC STOPS
If you do not want to argue the citation in court, you can pay the fine anytime before it’s due date.
You can pay your fine by:
putting a check with your ticket in the envelope the officer gave you (do not ever send cash in the mail).
Go online to and pay with credit or debit card
Go to the court house (17th and Farnum ST) and pay in person

9. Driving Tips
Don’t ever drive without a license (if you only have a learners permit, do not drive alone). Don’t use your phone while driving. Always wear your seat belt. Always put young children in car seats.

10. Drive Safe!