When you’re driving a car, it’s all too easy to find yourself getting in a touch of legal trouble. There are seemingly a million potential violations out there. Cops can also occasionally be overzealous in enforcing those rules. It’s important that they’re looking out for the safety of the roads. However, it’s also important you’re not an innocent party caught in the crossfire. So here’s how you need to protect yourself legally on the road.

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Make sure your car is always in top condition

You may very well have experienced being pulled over for a faulty light, before. There are a lot of other laws that a poorly maintained car could put you in violation of. Some of the most common violations include brakes out of adjustment. They also include oil/grease leaks and missing your periodic inspection. Driving a vehicle without properly caring for its condition isn’t just negligent, it’s illegal.

Factors that will put you ‘at risk’

The truth is that there are a lot of small violations you may be entirely unaware you’re making. The same goes for just about any driver. But what’s important is that you stay out of trouble. There are some factors that can put you at a lot higher risk of being stopped. This ranges from tinted windows to driving a bigger vehicle.

Let caution take the wheel

Another way that you’re going to add or reduce your risk of getting stopped is by being a much more conscientious driver in general. Particularly, by practising defensive driving. By always being aware of your surroundings and trying to give those around you even more than the mandatory amount of space. However, don’t mistake defensive for slow. You can get in as much trouble for driving slow as you might for speeding.

Always be courteous

Regardless of how much caution you’re using, you never know when the police might decide to pull you over to the side of the road anyway. If that does happen, a big factor in how the situation plays out is how you behave with the police. Be courteous, be cooperative. Don’t help them jump to any conclusions. Do exactly as they say and nothing more.

Get someone on your side

Of course, whether you behave well or not, you can get in trouble. Whether you’ve committed a crime or not, you can get in trouble. But there’s no charge that you can’t get dropped in the right circumstances. For example, driving under the influence might be considered an unwinnable situation by many. However, you have a better chance to get your DWI case dismissed with a DWI lawyer. Don’t feel like you’re just at the mercy of the law.

The importance of your own evidence

In any case, having evidence to help you can turn over just about any case. From a misuse of police powers to proving that an accident wasn’t your fault. Keeping an accurate record is one thing, but if you have video evidence, your chances are even better. One of the best tools to consider getting for staying out of trouble is a dashcam.