Proper Etiquette When Pulled Over on Utah Freeways

Safety should be the top priority when being stopped by law enforcement on busy highways

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:39am

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When drivers see flashing lights in their rearview mirror on Utah freeways, the instinct is often to pull over immediately next to the barrier, potentially putting everyone at risk. However, according to the Utah Highway Patrol, the safest approach is to find the nearest safe shoulder or exit to pull over, even if that means crossing a double white line temporarily.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the need for better coordination between drivers and law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone on the road during traffic stops, especially on busy freeways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds.

The details

Lieutenant Cam Roden with the Utah Highway Patrol advises drivers to pull over on the right-hand shoulder in a relatively short time frame, finding the safest spot possible. He emphasizes that it is acceptable for drivers to cross a double white line to reach a safe location when being pulled over. The goal is for drivers to stay calm and prioritize safety for both themselves and the officer.

  • This story was reported on-air by a journalist on February 6, 2026.

The players

Rocky Baum

A driver who commutes 80 miles daily for work and has witnessed countless drivers pull over immediately next to freeway barriers, potentially putting everyone at risk.

Lieutenant Cam Roden

A member of the Utah Highway Patrol who provided guidance on the proper etiquette when being pulled over on Utah freeways.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you're in the HOV lane or you're in one of the general purpose lanes, we want you to pull over on the right-hand shoulder.”

— Lieutenant Cam Roden, Utah Highway Patrol (fox13now.com)

“We're going to want you to pull over in a relatively short time frame, getting to a spot that is going to be the safest place possible. We want you to be safe. We want our trooper to be safe, but just know that, yeah, the soonest convenient spot.”

— Lieutenant Cam Roden, Utah Highway Patrol (fox13now.com)

“When you get pulled over, those nerves automatically kick in and so you want to automatically start to say, OK, I see you, and you want to start automatically pulling over, but you also got to realize that you may have traffic that is next to you coming up on you quickly or whatever, so don't let those nerves get the best of you.”

— Lieutenant Cam Roden, Utah Highway Patrol (fox13now.com)

What’s next

The Utah Highway Patrol will continue to educate drivers on the proper etiquette when being pulled over on busy freeways, emphasizing the importance of finding a safe location to stop in order to protect both the driver and the officer.

The takeaway

This story highlights the need for better coordination between drivers and law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone on the road during traffic stops, especially on Utah's busy freeways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds. By following the guidance of the Utah Highway Patrol and prioritizing safety, drivers can help create a safer environment for all.