A lawyer has warned drivers about one question they should never answer during a police traffic stop: “Do you know why I pulled you over?” Although it sounds harmless, he explains that this question can trap drivers into admitting to violations the officer wasn’t even aware of.

Many people try to be cooperative and guess the reason—like a broken light, speeding, or rolling a stop. But the lawyer points out that guessing is dangerous. If you admit to something the officer wasn’t investigating, your own words can be used against you in court, even if the officer had no evidence beforehand.

Instead of answering, he advises responding with: “Officer, please tell me.” This allows you to hear the actual reason before deciding whether to speak further. In some cases, admitting to a minor violation may help resolve the stop quickly. But guessing or confessing without information can create unnecessary legal trouble.

His message is simple: don’t try to read the officer’s mind. Protect yourself by staying calm, asking for clarity, and avoiding assumptions. As he puts it, “Answering based on speculation increases your chances of ending up in court—and pleading guilty to being the Muffin Man.”