11. “Why Are You So Nervous?”
It’s completely normal to feel nervous during a traffic stop. Police know this, but they might still ask the question to see how you react. They may hope you’ll say something revealing or inconsistent. You don’t have to explain your feelings. A calm reply like, “I’m just nervous about being pulled over,” is enough. You can also choose not to respond at all. The law doesn’t require you to discuss your emotions during a stop. Instead of over-explaining, focus on providing your documents and staying polite. Letting the officer know you’re aware of your rights can ease your stress too. You have nothing to prove about your emotional state.