True or False: An officer should park behind and to the right of the violator when pulling them over.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on traffic
• D. Only at night

Answer: (B)

In traffic stops, the main idea is to position yourself to maximize safety and control from the moment you stop. Parking behind and to the right places you on the passenger side, which reduces your ability to see inside the vehicle, limits your approach options, and can funnel the driver toward the passenger side or toward traffic. A safer, more common setup is to stop in a position that allows you to approach on the driver’s side, with your patrol car angled to shield the violator and give you a clear line of sight and commands. That’s why this statement isn’t the recommended practice.