Prepare for the Colorado POST Exam with essential study materials including multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Achieve your goal of becoming a licensed peace officer!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


When making a traffic stop, which direction should you turn the steering wheel?

  1. To the right

  2. To the left

  3. Straight ahead

  4. In the opposite direction of traffic

The correct answer is: To the left

Turning the steering wheel to the left when making a traffic stop is a critical safety procedure for law enforcement officers. This action positions the vehicle in a way that allows the officer to safely exit and approach the suspect vehicle while providing better visibility of oncoming traffic. By angling the patrol vehicle toward the left, the officer gains an unobstructed view of potential hazards from both the rear and the lanes of traffic. Additionally, this positioning helps to create a barrier between the officer and the moving traffic, thereby reducing the risk of being struck by other vehicles. It's particularly important in maintaining a safe distance from any potential collision as officers interact with drivers during traffic stops. By ensuring that the patrol vehicle is oriented to the left of the lane, the officer can better manage the dynamics of the traffic stop and enhance overall safety for everyone involved.