When you’re behind the wheel, certain driving habits can quickly catch the attention of law enforcement and lead to a traffic stop. These behaviors might seem minor or harmless, but they often raise red flags and put you at risk of getting pulled over.

Knowing which actions can trigger a stop immediately helps you stay aware and avoid unnecessary trouble while on the road. Paying attention to your driving habits not only keeps you safer but also helps you avoid fines or delays.

Running red lights or stop signs

Running red lights or stop signs is one of the quickest ways to get pulled over. You might think it saves time, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents.

Even if the intersection looks clear, failing to stop fully can put pedestrians and other drivers in danger. Police officers watch closely for this behavior because it’s a common cause of dangerous collisions.

Remember, obeying traffic signals keeps you and others safer on the road. Avoid this habit to prevent unnecessary stops and fines. For more details, see running red lights or stop signs.

Speeding well above the limit

Speeding well above the limit is one of the quickest ways to get noticed by police. When you drive too fast, especially in areas with lower speed limits, it raises immediate safety concerns.

You might think a little extra speed saves time, but it often causes more risk than reward. Police monitor these behaviors closely because speeding contributes to many traffic crashes. Paying attention to speed limits helps keep you safe and less likely to attract an officer’s attention.

If you find yourself speeding to keep up with traffic, slowing down can improve your safety and reduce the chances of a traffic stop. For more tips on safe speed habits, check out how to avoid speeding tickets and manage traffic stops.

Failing to make a complete stop

When you roll through a stop sign instead of stopping fully, you’re risking a traffic stop. This “rolling stop” might seem minor, but it’s against the law and can cause serious safety issues.

Taking the time to stop completely lets you check for other cars and pedestrians properly. It also helps avoid tickets that can increase your insurance rates and add points to your record.

Remember, stopping fully at the line or crosswalk keeps you and others safer on the road. Learn why a full stop matters from this detailed discussion on rolling stops and safety.

Driving too slowly in fast traffic

When you drive much slower than the flow of traffic, it can cause problems for others on the road. You might unintentionally frustrate drivers behind you, leading them to take risky actions like sudden lane changes.

Keeping pace with the speed of traffic helps everyone stay safe and avoid accidents. Driving too slowly in a fast lane can even result in a traffic stop because it disrupts the normal flow.

Remember, driving at an appropriate speed is part of sharing the road responsibly. For more on this, see driving too slow and its dangers.

Using a phone while driving

Using your phone while driving is one of the quickest ways to get pulled over. Even hands-free calls can distract you from the road. Texting, scrolling through apps, or checking messages takes your focus off driving and increases the chance of an accident.

Many drivers don’t realize how dangerous this habit is. Studies show nearly half of drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel recently. Staying off your phone helps keep you and others safe. Learn more about the risks of distracted driving and ways to avoid it at distracted driving risks.

Not signaling lane changes or turns

When you skip using your turn signals, you’re making it harder for other drivers to anticipate your moves. This can quickly lead to confusion or close calls on the road.

Failing to signal is more than just a bad habit—it’s a common reason for traffic stops. Police often pull over drivers who don’t use their signals because it increases the risk of accidents.

Using your turn signal is a simple step that helps keep everyone safer and smoother on the road. Learn more about how failing to signal causes crashes.

Illegal lane changes or weaving

If you frequently switch lanes without signaling or weave through traffic, you’re risking a traffic stop. These actions are not only illegal but can confuse other drivers and increase the chance of accidents.

Driving this way might seem like saving time, but it often creates more danger for everyone on the road. Being patient and signaling before changing lanes keeps you safer and helps avoid police attention.

Remember, sticking to smooth, predictable driving habits is the best way to stay out of trouble and protect yourself and others while behind the wheel.

Learn more about the risks of improper lane changes here.