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Stopped By A Trooper? Don't Reach For Your Registration

 The Ford Interceptor is the Washington State Patrol’s new vehicle of choice after a short and rocky experience with the Chevy Caprice.
Washington State Patrol
The Ford Interceptor is the Washington State Patrol’s new vehicle of choice after a short and rocky experience with the Chevy Caprice.

With the summer driving season fast approaching, the Washington State Patrol is reminding drivers what to do and not do if you’re stopped.

 The Ford Interceptor is the Washington State Patrol’s new vehicle of choice after a short and rocky experience with the Chevy Caprice.
Credit Washington State Patrol
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Washington State Patrol
File photo of a new Washington State Patrol cruiser

I was stopped recently by a Washington State Patrol trooper. I had two earbuds in, which is illegal -- you can only have one. When I pulled over to the side of the Interstate, I stopped the car and immediately reached for my glove box to get my registration ready.

It turns out that is a big no-no.

A new “Good to Know” video from the Washington State Patrol features Sgt. Julie Judson. She addresses the very thing I did -- digging into my glove box.

“We know that some drivers do this to try and be helpful and we appreciate their intent," Judson says in the video. "But the officer doesn’t know if you’re digging for a registration or a gun."

I should have just placed my hands on the steering wheel and waited. Other tips from the Washington State Patrol: don’t get out of your car unless instructed and don’t be offended if the officer is a bit stand-offish.

Copyright 2014 Northwest News Network

Since January 2004, Austin Jenkins has been the Olympia-based political reporter for the Northwest News Network. In that position, Austin covers Northwest politics and public policy, as well as the Washington State Legislature. You can also see Austin on television as host of TVW's (the C–SPAN of Washington State) Emmy-nominated public affairs program "Inside Olympia."