If you are stopped by a police officer, you should:

1. Unbuckle your seat belt and lower your window.
2. Get your paperwork ready before the officer reaches your car.
3. Stay in your vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach you. ✓
4. Get out of your car and walk toward the patrol car.

Answer: C. Stay in your vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach you.

Stay in your vehicle with your hands on the steering wheel and wait for the officer to approach you.

Why this is the answer

Texas guidance for a stop says to stay in the car, lower the driver's window only if you feel safe, and keep both hands clearly visible on top of the steering wheel while you wait for the officer's instructions. It also says you should not exit unless asked and should not reach or search for your license or insurance before or while the officer is approaching. Staying put with your hands visible fits that guidance and avoids being seen as a threat.

Why the other answers are wrong

• A. Unbuckle your seat belt and lower your window. — The handbook suggests lowering the window only if you feel safe, but it does not tell you to unbuckle; the main point is to remain in the car with your hands visible.
• B. Get your paperwork ready before the officer reaches your car. — The handbook says not to reach, dig, or search for license or insurance documents before or while an officer is approaching.
• D. Get out of your car and walk toward the patrol car. — The handbook says not to exit unless asked, because getting out may be seen as aggressive and a threat to the officer's safety.

Remember it

Hands on the wheel, stay in your seat, and let the officer come to you.