Know your rights when police stop you
What you need to know about being pulled over by the police.
WHILE the law is very clear about it being a criminal offence not to stop for police or traffic officials, it is also essential that you feel safe when doing so.
The Automobile Association of South Africa (AA) supports the latest announcement by the Justice Project SA and the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) in issuing a standard protocol on what you should do if blue light vehicles attempt to flag you down, especially at night.
Head of public affairs at the AA, Graeme Scala, said the past few years there had been several attempts to communicate about the proper procedures to the public, but unfortunately these have been both unclear and sporadic.
“While the protocol seems sound, what is critical to its success, is the buy-in from law enforcement agencies. Without the co-operation of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and traffic officials, it will not be sustainable. It could also create a situation where motorists feel more threatened,” he said.
“It is important to remember when using this protocol in a real-life situation to seem as unthreatening as possible.” Scala added motorists needed to remain calm.
The main points of the new protocol when being flagged by police are:
- Slow down to 40km/h and turn your hazard lights on.
- Place your right arm out the window and gesture for the vehicle to follow you.
- Proceed to the nearest police or petrol station – a well-lit and safe area.
- Call 10111 and try to get the registration number of the car following you.
- Inform the operator that you are being flagged down by a police officer and are stopping at a safe place.
- When you arrive at the police or petrol station, remain in the vehicle until instructed otherwise by an officer.
