Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

What is the second step upon initiating a traffic stop?

1. Determine the location

2. Notify dispatch

3. Activate lights

4. Get out of the vehicle

The correct answer is: Notify dispatch

Upon initiating a traffic stop, the second step is to notify dispatch. This action is crucial for several reasons. First, it provides a record of the stop, which is vital for safety and accountability. Dispatch can also monitor the situation, ensuring that help is available if needed. This communication helps keep everyone informed about officer safety and the status of the traffic stop. Determining the location, while important, typically occurs as part of the initial assessment during the approach. Activating lights is usually the first action taken to signal the driver to pull over safely. Getting out of the vehicle is generally one of the later actions taken after the stop has been confirmed and the situation is assessed, ensuring that the officer maintains safety first. Therefore, notifying dispatch is the logical step to follow after the initial activation of lights and pulling the vehicle to a stop.