From an officer's point of view, they are conducting education and enforcement on laws they are sworn to uphold. Traffic officers are expected to act upon violations fairly and equally. Officers often work areas of high citizen complaints or high crash volumes. The change of driving behavior is their ultimate goal. Sorry to break it to you but no, they don't have quotas.

Upon seeing emergency lights in your mirror, slow down and safely pull to the right (SDCL 32-31-6). Pull into a parking lot or side street if possible.

Remain in your car. Keep your hands on the steering wheel and turn your dome light on if it's night. When the officer requests documents, ask if you can reach for them. The officer should explain why you were stopped. I can't tell you what to say, but there are surefire ways to guarantee a citation.

Sometimes citizens disagree with the officer's assessment. My recommendation is always listen to the officer's instructions, and if you disagree with the outcome, contest this in court. You can contact legal counsel if you feel this traffic stop was unjust or unethical. You can also speak to a supervisor, but they cannot legally void your citation.

I can't suggest to you whether you should or should not acknowledge your mistake to the officer, but what I can tell you is maturity and professionalism does count for something to us. In my experience, one who argues with the officer and has a roadside tantrum never wins with a warning over a citation.

Another frequent topic, if you are one to carry a firearm with you, is "no" you are not necessarily required to disclose this (at least in South Dakota - other states do vary on this), but most of us do see this as a courtesy which can win you a few points with the officer.

I have encountered this many times and when someone has their hands on the wheel and politely shares this information this usually translates to me that they want both of us to stay safe and don't want to alarm us if we somehow find out otherwise. This courtesy goes a really long way with an officer.

Mutual respect and professionalism by both parties involved is huge for a positive outcome. There is absolutely no guaranteed way to avoid a citation 100% of the time, short of the obvious drive in a manner, with proper equipment, in compliance with state law and city ordinance.

Do you have a traffic safety question? 

Please email heather@michelscom.com to submit your inquiry and Sgt. Travis Olsen will offer an explanation in his monthly Motor Market column.