Dealing with the police can be confusing, especially when they make it seem like you have no choice but to say yes to their requests. Whether it’s answering questions, agreeing to a search, or something else, they often act like you must comply.

The truth is, you don’t have to agree to everything the police ask, and knowing this can give you more control in these situations. Understanding your rights can help you avoid making mistakes or giving up more than you want to.

You don’t have to consent to a search of your property or vehicle.

When the police ask to search your car or property, remember that you have the right to say no. You don’t have to agree just because they ask.

Unless they have a warrant or a specific reason like probable cause, you can refuse consent clearly by saying, “I do not consent to a search.” This can protect your rights and limit what they’re allowed to do.

You can always stay calm, polite, and ask if you’re free to leave. Your refusal doesn’t mean you’re guilty of anything.

You can say no to answering any questions without a lawyer present.

You don’t have to talk to the police if you don’t want to. If they start asking questions, you can simply say you want a lawyer before saying anything.

Once you ask for a lawyer, the police should stop questioning you. It’s your right to have someone protect you and explain what’s going on.

Remember, staying silent until your lawyer is there doesn’t make you look guilty. It just means you’re protecting yourself.

You are not required to take any field sobriety tests if asked.

If a police officer asks you to do field sobriety tests, remember you don’t have to say yes. These tests are mostly voluntary, and you can legally refuse them.

Refusing won’t get you out of everything, but you aren’t breaking the law by saying no. It’s the officer’s job to prove if you’re impaired, not yours to prove you’re sober.

So, if you’re unsure about the tests or don’t want to risk making a mistake, you can simply say no.

You can refuse to sign any documents without fully understanding them.

You don’t have to sign anything if you don’t get what it says or why it’s important. Even if an officer or agent hands you a paper, you can say no until you’ve had a chance to ask a lawyer.

Signing without understanding can lead to problems later. So, trust your gut—don’t feel pressured just because they want you to sign right then and there. Taking your time protects your rights.

You have the right to remain silent – use it.

You don’t have to answer questions from the police, even if they act like you do. Saying “I’m going to remain silent” is enough to pause the conversation.

Simply staying quiet isn’t always enough. You have to clearly state that you’re choosing to stay silent to protect yourself.

Remember, this right is there to keep you from accidentally saying something that could be used against you. Use it whenever you feel unsure or pressured.

You don’t have to give consent to a phone or electronic device search.

If a police officer asks to search your phone, remember you have the right to say no. You don’t have to agree or explain yourself. Just calmly state that you don’t consent to the search.

Police need a warrant to search your device, unless you say yes or there’s an emergency. Staying polite and firm can protect your privacy without causing trouble. Your refusal doesn’t mean you’re hiding something—it’s your right.

You can ask if you’re free to leave at any point

If you’re unsure whether you’re being detained, just ask, “Am I free to leave?” It’s a simple question that can clear up a lot of confusion.

You can ask it more than once during an encounter. If the officer says yes, you can calmly walk away.

If they say no, you have the right to stay silent and clearly say you don’t want to answer questions. This puts your rights front and center without causing extra tension.

You don’t have to admit to ownership of any item police mention.

If police bring up something and ask if it’s yours, you can calmly say nothing or deny ownership. You don’t have to confirm that something belongs to you just because they ask.

Admitting ownership might give them more reason to search or charge you. Staying quiet or saying you don’t know is your right, and it can protect you from trouble. Remember, you only need to share basic ID information when required, not admit ownership of items.

You can insist on having an attorney before any questioning.

You don’t have to talk to the police without a lawyer, no matter what they say. Just ask for your attorney, and the questioning has to stop.

It’s your right to have legal advice before answering any questions. Saying, “I want to speak with my attorney,” is all it takes to pause things.

If officers keep pressing you after that, your lawyer can step in to protect your rights and make sure nothing you say is used against you unfairly.

You can stop answering questions anytime, even after starting.

If you begin answering questions, you’re still allowed to stop at any point. It doesn’t matter if you’ve already said a few things—you can simply say you want to remain silent.

You also have the right to ask for a lawyer and pause all questioning until they’re present. The police must respect this request.

Remember, you aren’t required to keep talking, even if the questions keep coming. Stopping the conversation is always within your rights.