So, you’ve been pulled over. Your heart’s racing, palms are sweaty—no, you didn’t just chug a double espresso. It’s that mix of anxiety and uncertainty that comes with a traffic stop. You know the drill: stay calm, be polite, and whatever you do, don’t say something that’ll make the situation worse. To help you navigate this tricky terrain, here are five things you should definitely avoid saying to a cop during a stop. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

1. “I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong”

First off, let’s clear the air: you might very well be innocent. But when you say, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” it can come off as defensive or confrontational. Cops are trained to assess situations quickly, and insisting on your innocence may make them think you’re trying to hide something. Instead, keep it simple. A polite “What seems to be the problem, officer?” can go a long way. It shows you’re willing to cooperate without throwing up walls.

2. “Do You Know Who I Am?”

Ah, the classic line that’s been uttered by many a person trying to flex their status. But here’s the deal: saying, “Do you know who I am?” is a surefire way to put a target on your back. It comes off as entitled and can annoy the officer, who’s probably just trying to do their job. Unless you’re a celebrity with a personal police escort, your status likely won’t help you here. Just keep it cool; you’re all in this together, right?

3. “I’ll Have Your Badge!”

Now, I get it—if you feel wronged, it’s natural to want to voice your frustration. But threatening to report the officer or saying, “I’ll have your badge!” can escalate things faster than you can say “license and registration.” It can make you seem combative, and trust me, that’s not the vibe you want when a cop is standing at your window. If you think they’re in the wrong, save those thoughts for later. You can always file a complaint after the fact.

4. “This is My First Time!”

Sure, honesty is a virtue, but oversharing isn’t always the best move. If you’re trying to downplay the situation by saying, “This is my first time getting pulled over,” it might not come off as charming as you intend. Officers have heard it all before, and saying it could imply you’re inexperienced or naïve. Instead, focus on remaining calm and composed. You don’t need to add any extra drama to an already tense moment.

5. “I Didn’t Know That Was Illegal”

We all have those moments when we think, “Wait, that’s against the law?” But trust me, saying, “I didn’t know that was illegal” during a traffic stop is like waving a red flag in front of a bull. It can imply that you weren’t paying attention to the rules of the road, which doesn’t help your case. Instead, own up to it gracefully. A simple acknowledgment like, “I understand now,” can show the officer you’re willing to learn from your mistakes. Plus, it might just earn you a little leniency.

Wrap It Up with Respect

In the end, the key to surviving a traffic stop is to keep your cool and treat the officer with respect. They’re just doing their job, and while it might feel like a personal attack on your driving skills, it’s usually not. If you find yourself in a sticky situation, remember to communicate clearly and maintain a level of respect. And who knows? You might just walk away with a simple warning instead of a ticket.

So next time you’re pulled over, take a deep breath, avoid these common pitfalls, and approach the situation with a friendly demeanor. After all, nobody wants to end up on the wrong side of the law… or the wrong side of a cop’s pen. Stay safe out there!