Traffic Stop – Talking to a Police Officer

Scene: Early evening on a city street. Carlos is driving home from work. He sees flashing lights behind him and carefully pulls his car over to the side of the road.

Conversation

OFFICER REED: (standing by the driver’s window) Good evening, sir. I’m Officer Reed with the city police department.

CARLOS: Good evening, Officer.

OFFICER REED: Do you know why I stopped you today?

CARLOS: I’m not sure, to be honest.

OFFICER REED: You were driving 40 in a 30 mile-per-hour zone. This is a school area, and the speed limit is lower here.

CARLOS: Oh, I see. I didn’t notice the sign. I’m sorry about that.

OFFICER REED: All right. For your safety and mine, please keep your hands on the steering wheel. May I see your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance, please?

CARLOS: Yes, of course. My wallet is in my pocket and the documents are in the glove box. Is it okay if I get them?

OFFICER REED: Yes, go ahead slowly.

Carlos takes out his wallet, then opens the glove box and finds the registration and insurance card.

CARLOS: Here you are—my license, the registration, and my insurance card.

OFFICER REED: Thank you. I’ll be right back while I run your information. Please stay in the car.

The officer walks back to the patrol car to check the documents. A few minutes later, he returns.

OFFICER REED: All right, Mr. Ramirez, everything is valid and up to date.

CARLOS: Okay, that’s good.

OFFICER REED: Because this is your first time being stopped and you were not going much over the limit, I’m going to give you a written warning instead of a ticket today.

CARLOS: Thank you, Officer. I really appreciate that. I’ll be more careful.

OFFICER REED: Please make sure to slow down in school zones, especially in the afternoon when children are leaving.

CARLOS: Yes, I understand. I’ll pay more attention to the speed limit signs.

OFFICER REED: Here is your warning and your documents back. Do you have any questions for me?

CARLOS: Just one—does this warning go on my record?

OFFICER REED: It is recorded, but there’s no fine and no points on your license this time. If you are stopped again, the next officer will see this warning.

CARLOS: I understand. Thank you for explaining.

OFFICER REED: All right. When it’s safe, you can re-enter traffic. Drive carefully and have a good evening.

CARLOS: You too, Officer. Thank you.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Traffic stop /ˈtræfɪk stɑːp/ (n.) when a police officer signals a driver to pull over and stop the car. Example: Carlos has his first traffic stop on his way home.
Pull over /pʊl ˈoʊvər/ (phrasal v.) to move a vehicle to the side of the road and stop. Example: He sees the flashing lights and pulls over.
Speed limit /spiːd ˈlɪmɪt/ (n.) the maximum legal speed you can drive on a road. Example: The speed limit in a school zone is often lower.
Driver’s license /ˈdraɪvərz ˈlaɪsns/ (n.) an official card that allows you to drive a car legally. Example: The officer asks to see his driver’s license.
Registration /ˌredʒɪˈstreɪʃn/ (n.) an official document that shows who owns the car. Example: Please give me your registration and proof of insurance.
Proof of insurance /pruːf əv ɪnˈʃʊrəns/ (n.) a card or paper that shows your car is insured. Example: He keeps his proof of insurance in the glove box.
Run your information /rʌn jɔːr ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃn/ (phrase) for police, to check a person’s license and record in a computer system. Example: The officer goes to the patrol car to run his information.
Warning /ˈwɔːrnɪŋ/ (n.) an official notice about a problem, but without a fine or punishment this time. Example: He gets a written warning instead of a ticket.
Ticket /ˈtɪkɪt/ (n.) an official paper that says you broke a traffic law and must pay a fine. Example: A ticket usually comes with a fine.
School zone /skuːl zoʊn/ (n.) an area near a school where drivers must go slowly. Example: The speed limit is lower in a school zone.

Traffic Stop: Talking to a Police Officer

Characters:

Conversation

Vocabulary List