If you are driving a vehicle and police try to stop you, pull over in a safe location as quickly as possible. Be polite. Respect the officer’s safety concerns — keep your hands visible and do not make sudden movements. Provide the officer with your driver's license and proof of insurance. Do not consent to a search of your vehicle. Exercise your right to remain silent if the officer seeks an admission of guilt. If the officer prolongs the stop, ask if you are free to leave. After the stop, document the encounter (i.e. when you were stopped, how long you were detained, what the officer asked for).
If you are a passenger or otherwise stopped by police, stay calm and be polite. Under Minnesota law, if asked, you must provide the officer with your name and date of birth. Again, keep the officer’s safety in mind — keep your hands visible and do not make sudden movements. Ask if you are free to leave. If you are not free to leave politely ask why not. Do not consent to a search. If you are searched, do not resist. Invoke your right to remain silent. Request the presence of your attorney. After the stop, document the encounter (i.e. when you were stopped, how long you were detained, what the officer asked for).
