
The ‘Trick Question’ That a Police Officer in Maine Will Ask You
We’re using the term ‘trick question’ pretty loosely here—this is just some good, useful information for Maine drivers to know when they need it!

First off, we’re not lawyers. Lawyers are much smarter, get paid more, and know the laws well enough to advise on how to navigate them. However, this information is still crucial to know, which is why we feel it’s important to pass it along.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maine, it’s imperative to understand your rights during police encounters.
The ACLU of Maine emphasizes that your rights include:
- “You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.” (However, in some states, including Maine, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself.)
- “You have the right to refuse to consent to a search of yourself, your car, or your home.”
- “If you are not under arrest, ask if you are free to leave. If you may leave, do so calmly.”
- “You have the right to a lawyer if you are arrested. Ask for one immediately.”
- “Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights.”
The ACLU of Maine also wants to emphasize that while you have rights, you also have certain responsibilities that must be upheld.
These responsibilities, which you should keep in mind and adhere to, include but are not limited to:
- “Do stay calm and be polite.”
- “Do not interfere with or obstruct the police.”
- “Do not lie or give false documents.”
- “Do remember the details of the encounter.”
- “Do file a written complaint or call your local ACLU if you feel your rights have been violated.”
So, with all that said, what is this 'trick question' to watch out for that Maine police officers might ask?
The trickiest part about this question is that it’s ingrained in us. For the longest time, in any movie, TV show, video game, or any form of media, the first lines said by a police officer after pulling someone over are: 'Do you know why I pulled you over?'
From the moment you're pulled over, an officer's top priority is to collect evidence and build a case against you.
While the initial question may seem routine—an officer asking you to acknowledge any wrongdoing—it is actually a strategic tactic designed to catch drivers off guard before they can invoke their Fifth Amendment rights.
Answering this seemingly safe question and speculating about why you were pulled over can potentially work against you in court.
For example, as advised by the legal experts at White Law PLLC, if someone admits, ‘Because I ran a red light,’ the officer then has a recorded confession. While such confessions don’t guarantee an automatic conviction, they can significantly harm the defendant’s case. We’d love to hear from you—join the conversation by messaging us on the app!
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