So let’s break down the steps of what happens during a traffic stop. Let’s examine why the officers do the things they do. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why did the cop touch my car?” or “Why do they shine that blinding light into my soul?” you’ll want to read on.

Before the Stop: How Officers Prepare

Long before the officer puts the lights on, this process is well underway. First, the officer usually runs the license plate. It’s a quick scan that can tell them a lot of things. For instance, whether the car is stolen, if the registration is expired, or if the owner has outstanding warrants.

Second, a call goes