Knowing your rights during a police encounter can keep a tense moment from getting worse. You generally have the right to stay silent, to ask whether you're free to leave, and to decline a search of your car or home without a warrant — calmly and clearly.
The key is to stay composed: keep your hands visible, avoid arguing on the spot, and remember that "I don't consent to a search" and "I'd like to remain silent" are complete sentences you're allowed to use.
For plain-English explainers on traffic stops, searches, recording police and staying silent, see these know-your-rights guides.
— Zachary Ward