Top 5 Reasons Michigan Cops Will Pull You Over

When we head out for a drive in Michigan, we do it with good intent. I don't think anyone has a goal set to get pulled over. Getting pulled over in Michigan can lead to many emotions and the best way to avoid them is avoid getting pulled over at all costs.

The first thing that happens when we get pulled over is panic. A million thoughts run through our head. What did I do? Was I speeding? Did I run that red light? These are all natural things to think about, if you've got something to hide you might panic worse. Regardless, if we haven't done anything wrong, we don't have anything to worry about, right?

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No matter where we travel in Michigan we want to drive safely. We also want to make sure that your vehicle is in good shape and all the stuff works. It's easy to avoid getting pulled over if you avoid the top reasons why drivers in Michigan get pulled over according to First Time Driver.

Top 5 Reasons Why Michigan Cops Will Pull You Over

5. Mobile Phone Use / Distracted Driving

Michigan has a strong stance on this. You will get pulled over, Michigan Auto Law:

Michigan’s distracted driving laws make it illegal to use a hand-held cell phone or mobile electronic device to text, talk on the phone, watch videos or go on social media while you’re driving. Penalties include fines, community service, and points on your license. The law includes a “hands-free” exception.

4. Tailgating The Driver In Front Of You

This guys face is the face of some who tailgates. Screaming expletives because you're slowing him down by only going 8 miles an hour over the speed limit. It's a crime.

Tailgating is a civil infraction punishable by a fine and adds 2 points to the operator’s Michigan driving record. A person accused of tailgating is not required to admit responsibility but rather can request a formal or informal hearing before a district court judge or magistrate.

3. Improper Lane Changes

The driver in the pic above did it the correct way, they used their turn signal. First Time explains more.

Police generally classify an improper lane change as cutting another vehicle off or switching lanes without looking. These are incredibly dangerous practices that often lead to accidents because they shorten drivers' reaction time. Only use the left lane for passing, not for just cruising along, because this will catch the attention of police officers too. Failure to use turn signals can trigger a traffic stop, but usually aren't serious enough violations to warrant a stop on their own.

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2. Equipment Violations

Equipment violations are easy to avoid. Fix your stuff before the cops remind you to. Also, window tint can get you pulled over, First Time:

Police officers frequently pull drivers over because the tint on their windows is too dark, because a headlight is out, and because a windshield is broken. Equipment violations are easy for police officers to spot from a distance, making violators easy targets for ticketing fines. These violations can also lead to additional tickets if you haven't renewed your license, your registration isn't up to date, of if you've been drinking.

RELATED: Michigan's Window Tint Laws

1. Speeding

That's a no brainer. We see the speed traps. When we don't see the speed trap, and cruise past the cop going 12 mph over the speed limit. We hope that the person in front of, or behind us, is going faster. First Time says that slowing down is a strong component of driving safety:

Statistics show that for every 100 speeding tickets issued each month, there are at least 14 fewer auto crashes and five fewer auto accident-related injuries.