Police officers often ask questions during a traffic stop. They should be related to the stop itself, and they are often relatively simple. The officer may ask the driver where they are going and if they have had anything to drink that day. They could ask if the driver knows how fast they were driving or if they are aware of the reason the officer pulled them over.
As a general rule, all you are required to do under Oregon law is identify yourself. The officer will ask for your driver’s license and proof of registration and insurance, for example, and you can provide those documents. It just demonstrates that you have a valid license and that you are legally driving your own vehicle.
But beyond that, you are not obligated to answer other questions the officer may ask.
Is it wise to use your right to remain silent?
It can be helpful to stay silent, as the officer may be asking leading questions to see if you will admit to a violation.
For instance, if the officer asks if you have had anything to drink that day, they may simply be seeking an admission. Even if you say that you only had one drink, they can still use this against you if they claim that you were impaired.
Or, if the officer asks if you know why they pulled you over, they may just be trying to get you to admit fault. The same goes for asking if you know how fast you were driving. If you say that you were knowingly and intentionally breaking the speed limit, they could use that as the reason to give you a traffic citation.
Often, it is best not to answer questions, even if you do wind up getting arrested, until you have your attorney present. Be sure you are well aware of all of your legal rights during a criminal defense case.