Can Police Officers Tell You to Get Out of Your Car? Attorney Craig Dameron Explains in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram

 Posted on May 01, 2026 in Criminal Defense

A recent article by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which featured commentary from Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron, has brought renewed attention to a question many drivers ask during a traffic stop.

The issue gained traction after a viral traffic stop involving King Harris, the son of rapper T.I. In that incident, Harris refused to exit his vehicle after being ordered to do so by police. Officers cited legal authority to justify their command, raising an important legal question for drivers in Texas and beyond.

Do you have to get out of your car if police tell you to in Texas? Yes, you do – or face serious consequences. According to Fort Worth criminal defense attorney Craig Dameron, police officers in Texas have the legal authority to order you out of your car during a traffic stop.

Do Police Officers Have the Authority to Make You Get Out of Your Car? 

That authority is backed by U.S. Supreme Court rulings, including Pennsylvania v. Mimms and Maryland v. Wilson, which allow officers to control the scene for safety reasons. According to the United States Courts, once a vehicle has been lawfully stopped for a traffic violation, officers may order occupants out of the vehicle without violating constitutional protections.

In Texas, officers also have broad discretion during a stop, especially when investigating a traffic violation. As Craig Dameron explained, "The issue gets to be who’s right or who’s wrong, and if you don’t comply with the commands of the officer, he’ll find a reason to arrest you." He noted that officers often have reasonable suspicion to expand an investigation or may develop probable cause based on what they observe during the stop. This gives officers significant leeway to ask someone to step out of the car.

What Happens if You Refuse to Get Out of the Car at a Traffic Stop?

Refusing to follow an officer’s command during a traffic stop can quickly escalate the situation. According to Craig Dameron, officers may interpret refusal as interference with their duties. 

"For instance, say the person won’t get out of the car. If the person delays the officer’s investigation, officers do use this tool called interfering with public duties," Dameron said. "That’s much more common. Officers use this not just for people who don’t get out of the car, but for not fully cooperating or doing things that slow them down while they’re investigating."

In some situations, refusing to exit the vehicle could also lead to more serious allegations, such as resisting detention, depending on how the encounter unfolds.

What Makes an Officer's Order to Get Out of the Car Lawful?

An officer’s command during a traffic stop is generally considered lawful if it is connected to safety or an active investigation. This can include situations where an officer wants to separate a driver from a weapon, confirm identity, or investigate suspicious behavior.

As Craig Dameron explained, "In itself, the traffic stop is probably enough. In most circumstances, if an officer has pulled you over for reasonable suspicion, probable cause or a traffic violation, then he is investigating a crime."

Even minor violations, such as speeding, can justify these actions under the law.

Why You Should Get Out of Your Car if a Police Officer Asks You To

Even if you believe a traffic stop is unfair, the roadside is not the place to argue. Dameron emphasized that disagreements with law enforcement should be handled later through the legal system.

"If you’re having a conversation with an officer, and he’s not agreeing with you, it’s probably not at that moment," he said. "If he’s writing you a ticket, you should sign the citation, and then later you can consult with an attorney or dispute it in court."

This approach can help prevent a routine stop from escalating into additional charges.

Texas Drivers Arrested at a Traffic Stop Should Contact a Fort Worth Criminal Defense Lawyer

Drivers in Texas should understand that police officers do have the legal authority to order them out of their vehicle during a stop. Refusing to comply can lead to additional legal consequences beyond the original reason for the stop.

Understanding your rights and responsibilities during a traffic stop can make a significant difference in how the situation unfolds. If you are facing charges or believe your rights were violated during a police encounter, consulting with an experienced Tarrant County criminal defense attorney at The Dameron Law Firm can help you evaluate your options and protect your rights.

Call us at 817-222-0624 for a free initial consultation.