Does this tip sound familiar? If you’re pulled over by the police, you casually pull out your wallet, making sure they can see your military ID. Some veterans swear it’s as good as a “get-out-of-jail-free” card—just “accidentally” hand over your CAC instead of your driver’s license. The logic? If the officer isn’t a veteran, they probably know an officer who is and might go easy on you. But it may be too good to be true.

While a lot of veterans claim they’ve gotten out of minor issues this way, several lawyers argue it could actually backfire, especially if you’re still on active duty. So, which is it—clever move or risky gamble?

One Reddit user asked the /r/Army subreddit if they’re required to show their CAC at traffic stops. The response was a resounding “no,” but some commenters argued it couldn’t hurt. One Redditor, supposedly a police officer, said, “I don’t write tickets to vets / military unless you are being a total a——.” Another summed it up: “would it get you out of a ticket? depends on the cop.”

Virginia attorney Andrew Flusche thinks otherwise. In his video, “What NOT to Say When You Get Pulled Over,” he points out that handing over your military ID might do more harm than good. Police officers, he says, are tired of this tactic—especially around D.C. “While many officers respect our military, they don’t want you flashing your military ID, trying to get a break on the side of the road.”

But Flusche does add that if you’re fighting a ticket in court, your military status could help. “Let your attorney know about your military service,” he says. “The judge might be willing to give you some consideration for that.”

Jocelyn Stewart, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and military criminal defense attorney, takes it a step further. “Are you going to hand them your military ID because you think that’s going to get you out of trouble? Don’t do it. Hand them your driver’s license.” Stewart even advises against having military status listed on your driver’s license, especially if you’re on active duty.

Why the caution? Stewart explains that if police contact your commanding officer, it could complicate your legal battle. She does add, “This caution is for active duty, not veterans.”

So there you have it—veterans swear by the “ID trick,” but legal pros are wary. Next time you’re pulled over, consider whether a little smooth talk might work better than flashing the CAC.