What is a recommended practice when dealing with a traffic stop?

Keeping your hands visible is a crucial practice during a traffic stop because it demonstrates to the officer that you are not a threat and are complying with their instructions. This action helps establish a sense of safety and calmness for both you and the officer, as it prevents any misunderstandings regarding your intentions. Visibility of your hands allows the officer to assess the situation more effectively, as they can see that you are not reaching for anything that could be perceived as dangerous. This practice promotes a safer interaction and can lead to a smoother resolution to the traffic stop.

In contrast, remaining in your vehicle until instructed is also a good practice, but the act of keeping your hands visible adds an additional layer of safety and reassurance during the interaction. Recording the stop can be useful for documentation but might not be advisable to do immediately without the officer's consent, as it could distract you or escalate the situation. Exiting the vehicle immediately can be perceived as unpredictable behavior, which may raise concerns for the officer conducting the stop. Therefore, maintaining visible hands while following the officer's instructions is the most recommended approach in this scenario.