Police must give Miranda warnings before questioning a suspect only if the suspect is in “custody.” So, if police have you under arrest with handcuffs on your wrists in the back of a police car, a Miranda warning is probably required prior to any incriminating questions. But on the other hand, it’s usually okay for an officer who pulls you over for a traffic violation to ask questions—even possibly incriminating ones—without a Miranda advisement so long as the officer hasn’t restricted your freedom in any substantial way (like by handcuffing you).