If you are stopped by law enforcement, you should:
- Stop in the middle of the roadway.
- Pull to the right side of the road. ✓
- Pull to the left side of the road.
- Stop where you are.
Answer: B. Pull to the right side of the road.
Pull to the right side of the road and stop there safely.
Why this is the answer
The Texas handbook's traffic-stop instructions tell you to reduce speed and steer safely onto the right side, then park as far right of the main traffic lane as you can, using the right shoulder when it is open. That guidance points to the right side of the road, not to stopping in the lane, on the left, or wherever you happen to be. The handbook also describes setting the brake, turning off the engine, and using hazard lights after you have positioned the vehicle.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Stop in the middle of the roadway. — Stopping in the middle of the roadway leaves your vehicle in the travel lane instead of moving it safely to the right as the handbook directs.
- C. Pull to the left side of the road. — Pulling to the left side goes against the handbook's instruction to move to the right of the road and park as far right as possible.
- D. Stop where you are. — Stopping wherever you are keeps the vehicle in traffic rather than moving it safely to the right side as instructed.
Remember it
Think "right is the safe side" when an officer signals you to stop.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 14: Additional Safety Tips , p. 65