During a routine traffic stop, many drivers try their best to be polite and cooperative, which is why a common question from police officers often catches people off guard: “Do you know why I pulled you over?”

While it may sound like a simple conversation starter, legal experts warn that this question can lead drivers into a risky situation

. According to one attorney, responding with a guess—even an innocent one—can result in unintentionally admitting to an offense the officer may not have been aware of.

What feels like honesty or cooperation in the moment can later become evidence used against you, even if you were never initially being accused of that specific violation.

The lawyer explains that many drivers tend to panic or overthink the situation. In an effort to appear respectful,

they might start listing possibilities: speeding, rolling through a stop sign, a broken taillight, or even a minor distraction.

However, this is exactly the trap drivers should avoid. By naming potential violations, you risk turning a simple stop into a more complicated interaction.

If you mention something the officer did not witness or intend to question, you essentially volunteer information that could be entered into the report or referenced in court later.

In other words, your attempt to be helpful may unintentionally create additional problems.

Instead of answering with a guess, the attorney recommends a calm and respectful response such as,

“Officer, please tell me.” This reply is polite, non-confrontational, and allows you to understand the exact reason for the stop before saying anything further.

Knowing the precise issue gives you the opportunity to respond thoughtfully rather than react out of nervousness or uncertainty.

In some cases, acknowledging a minor error may help resolve the stop quickly. In other situations, staying silent and waiting for clarification could prevent unnecessary legal complications.

The overall advice is simple but powerful: stay calm, avoid assumptions, and let the officer provide the information.

Traffic stops can be stressful, but guessing the reason behind them can escalate what might have been a minor situation.

By asking for clarity, you protect your rights while still showing respect to the officer.

As the attorney puts it, trying to predict the officer’s thoughts only increases the chances of saying something that could be misunderstood or misused later.

Remaining composed and informed is the safest approach, ensuring that a routine stop stays routine and does not turn into an avoidable legal issue.