What you say during a traffic stop could land you in hot water. Here’s how to avoid the “gotcha” questions cops love to ask.
You’re driving home after a long day, just minding your business. Then—bam—flashing red and blue lights in the mirror. Your stomach drops. You pull over, hoping it’s a warning and not a ticket. The police officer leans in and asks the usual questions. You know enough that when he says, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” You shake your head. Then he hits you with it: “Where are you coming from?” or maybe, “Where are you going?” Seems like harmless small talk, but here’s the deal—it’s not. These questions can be traps, and how you answer matters.
Attorney Andrew Flusche, who’s seen his fair share of traffic cases, explains it best: “Cops can lie to us, but can you lie when cops ask weird questions like ‘Where are you coming from?’ or ‘Where are you going?’” Short answer: nope. Lying is a bad idea. Staying silent? Much better.
Why police ask nosy questions
These police questions aren’t just chit-chat. They’re tools to gather evidence. Your answers can create “reasonable suspicion,” which gives officers a reason to dig deeper. For example, if you admit you’re coming from a bar, they’ll likely ask if you’ve been drinking. Even something innocent, like hesitating or stumbling over words, might make you look suspicious.
“They’re fishing,” Flusche says. “The idea is to read you from how you answer.” He explains that cops watch how you speak, not just what you say. Slurred speech or nervous rambling? That’s a red flag for them.
How to respond to police questions
So, what do you do when police ask questions such as, “Where are you coming from?” or “Where are you going?”
First, you don’t have to answer. Legally, you can decline. Flusche recommends invoking your rights: “Officer, I do not have to answer any of your questions. I’m invoking my right to remain silent.”
If silence feels too awkward, you can keep it vague: “Just heading home.” But keep in mind, even casual answers can backfire if they don’t line up with your behavior or location.
The key here? Don’t overshare. As Flusche puts it: “You don’t need to talk to the police. That’s my mantra…Don’t talk to the police.”
Stay calm, stay smart
A traffic stop doesn’t have to spiral. Stay polite but firm. Provide your license and registration, and nothing more. If police questions keep coming, invoke your Fifth Amendment rights. It’s not rude; it’s smart. And when the officer gives you a ticket or official warning, ask if you’re free to go. Then don’t stick around.
By knowing your rights and choosing your words carefully, you can avoid unnecessary complications. Remember: it’s okay to politely decline to answer—and sometimes, silence is your strongest ally.
You can see Flusche’s advice for yourself in the video below: