Talking to the police can be stressful, and when people are nervous, they often say things without thinking. Unfortunately, the wrong words can make a simple situation much worse. Even if someone is innocent, saying the wrong thing can raise suspicion, escalate the situation, or even get them into legal trouble.
These comments seem harmless, but to an officer, they can sound like red flags.
“I Only Had Two Drinks”
If an officer pulls you over for suspected drunk driving and you admit to drinking at all, that’s a problem. It might seem like an innocent statement, but it immediately gives police a reason to investigate further. Even if a driver is under the legal limit, this response suggests impairment.
“I Know My Rights”
To tell an officer you know your rights isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but saying it aggressively or in the wrong tone can make the situation worse. Police hear this phrase all the time, usually from people who actually don’t understand their rights.
Instead of asserting knowledge in a confrontational way, it’s better to calmly exercise those rights, such as remaining silent or refusing a search, without making a dramatic statement.
“I Didn’t Do Anything Wrong!”
This sounds defensive, which raises suspicion. Police hear this from guilty and innocent people alike, so it doesn’t do much to convince them. If someone truly hasn’t done anything, there’s no need to argue their innocence on the spot.
The best course of action is to stay calm and answer only required questions.
“Be Honest, What Are You Really Pulling Me Over For?”
To question an officer’s motives might feel justified, but it can quickly turn a routine stop into an unnecessary confrontation. Cops don’t appreciate being challenged like this, and while they are required to give a reason, being combative won’t help. If you feel you were pulled over unfairly, you can handle it later in court.
“You Should Be Out Catching Real Criminals”
This sarcastic remark is guaranteed to annoy an officer. No matter how minor the situation seems, the cop is just doing their job. Saying this doesn’t change anything, apart from making them less likely to be lenient. If someone disagrees with why they’re being stopped, the best way to handle it is to comply respectfully and, if necessary, contest it later through the proper channels.
“I Know the Mayor / Chief of Police”
Any attempt to name-drop an important connection almost always backfires. If anything, it makes a person seem like they’re trying to avoid consequences, which might make an officer even more suspicious.
Most police won’t care who you know, and it won’t get you out of trouble. If they actually have a legitimate defense, it’s better to stay quiet and handle things legally.
“I Thought the Speed Limit Was Higher”
To claim ignorance of the law is never a good excuse, and it won’t get anyone out of a ticket. Officers hear this all the time, and it never changes their decision. If someone was speeding, they were speeding. Arguing about what they “thought” the limit was won’t make a difference.
“I Was Just Keeping Up with Traffic”
This is one of the most common excuses for speeding, and it never works. Just because other drivers are speeding doesn’t mean it’s okay. Police can’t pull over every single car. Admitting to speeding, even in a group, just confirms guilt. Instead of making excuses, the best option is to accept the situation or fight the ticket later in court.
“This Isn’t My Car”
While this might be true, it raises a lot of questions. If you’re driving a car that isn’t yours, cops will naturally want to know more. Are you borrowing it? Did you steal it? Do you even know the owner? If there’s nothing suspicious going on, there’s no reason to mention it.
“I Didn’t See That Stop Sign”
To admit to not seeing a stop sign is the same as admitting to running it. This is not a defense, it’s an admission of guilt. If an officer pulls you over for a traffic violation, the best approach is to let them explain why and avoid unnecessary statements. Anything said in the moment can be used against the driver, so saying less is always the smarter move.
“I Swear I’m Not Lying”
Honest people don’t usually need to say this. When someone insists they’re telling the truth without being asked, it often makes them seem guilty. Officers are trained to notice verbal cues like this, and statements like “I swear” or “I promise” actually raise suspicion. If someone is being truthful, their actions and calm demeanor will speak louder than unnecessary reassurances.
“Can’t You Just Give Me a Warning?”
It might seem harmless to ask for a warning, but it can backfire. Police decide whether to issue a ticket based on their discretion, and if they were considering a warning, this might push them the other way. Some officers see it as trying to negotiate or avoid responsibility. Instead of asking, staying polite and respectful increases the chances of leniency without making it seem like a demand.
“I Wasn’t Going That Fast”
Any attempt to argue over a speeding ticket rarely works, especially when police use radar or other tracking devices. If you’re caught speeding, debating the exact number doesn’t help. In fact, admitting to any speed over the limit is still an admission of guilt.
If you truly believe the reading was wrong, you can challenge it later in court.
“Are You Sure That’s Illegal?”
To question the legality of an action makes it seem like you knew you might be breaking the law but did it anyway. Police don’t take legal debates well during a stop, and this type of response makes them more suspicious. Arguing with a police officer in the moment never ends well.
“I Have Nothing to Hide”
If you truly have nothing to hide, there’s no need to say it. It might sound innocent, but it will make officers more curious. Police hear this from guilty people just as often as from innocent ones.
Perhaps instead of volunteering information or making defensive statements, it’s best to say as little as possible. The less you talk, the fewer chances there are to accidentally make things worse.
“Why Are You Being So Difficult?”
To challenge an officer’s authority in a negative way almost always escalates the situation. Police expect some level of frustration from people they stop, but pushing back with an attitude makes things worse. If you think a cop is being unreasonable, the best move is to remain calm and address the issue later through legal channels.
“I Didn’t Know That Was Illegal”
Ignorance of the law is never a valid defense. Whether someone genuinely didn’t know or is just pretending, saying this to an officer won’t help. In fact, it makes them seem careless, which could lead to even more scrutiny. If an officer is issuing a citation, the best option is to accept it politely
“I Didn’t Mean to Do It”
Even if you are innocent, saying this makes you sound like you’re admitting to wrongdoing. Police hear this phrase and immediately think the person is trying to excuse their actions. It suggests guilt, even if it wasn’t intentional.