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How To Get Out of a Speeding Ticket

Speeding tickets can be costly, but also avoidable. Here's how to get out of a speeding ticket.

By Madeline ZenkPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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Getting pulled over by a cop can be an anxiety-ridden process. And speeding tickets, one of the most common driving mistakes that will get you pulled over, can be costly, but also avoided. The hardest part sometimes is staying calm and keeping your composure as the police lights reflect off your mirrors. But if you follow some of these important suggestions, you will be able to get out of a speeding ticket.

Wave at the cop.

When you're speeding and see a cop, one of the easiest things you can do is to wave at him. This signals to the cop that you know each other or that you're admitting that you were speeding. Either way, it establishes acknowledgment, and by admitting you were speeding, you assure the cop that you will be slowing down. However, this won't work if you're driving one of the cars that will pretty much definitely get you a ticket.

Take responsibility.

Making excuses for why you were speeding is not going to help. Police officers have heard every sob story there is and will most likely not let you go if you have a lame excuse. It's better to take responsibility for your actions. Without admitting guilt, simply just suggest that you may have been speeding and leave it up to them to decide whether or not to let you get out of a speeding ticket.

Make small talk.

Just asking the police officer how they're doing can humanize you more and increase your chances of getting out of a speeding ticket. Being pulled over by a cop is already an inconvenience. But if you try to keep it cordial and make the experience as painless as possible, it makes things easier for them to let you off.

Be polite.

The minute you give a cop attitude, you can probably expect a ticket. Some of the most routine traffic stops can lead to more dangerous situations if you're hostile. Arguing is one of the most important things not to do when pulled over by the police. Being polite will lighten the situation and make the cop's job easier. If you decide to wait and a cop asks for your license, registration, and insurance, make sure to ask them if it's OK to reach for your wallet. If you simply remain calm and follow their requests without hesitation, they will be more lenient towards letting you get out of a speeding ticket.

Have all of your documents ready.

This can go either way. But it's usually best to make it quick and easy by gathering your license, registration, and insurance information before a cop approaches your car. Of course, it's OK to simply wait for them to ask for it, but having it ready for them will also save time and show that you have everything organized and are ready to comply.

Make them laugh.

Keeping the situation light is probably your best bet. If you can crack a little joke or make them laugh, it will make the process a lot easier. There's already a little anxiety when you get pulled over, even if you've got nothing to hide. So in order to get out of a speeding ticket, try to keep a pleasant attitude and find a funny anecdote that could make your situation better.

Don't flirt.

This has always been joked about for how women get out of speeding tickets. But just the opposite is true. Flirting with a cop can come off as disrespectful and demeaning, leading to getting a ticket. So don't bother showing a little extra skin or talking sweetly with the ticketing officer, because it won't help at all.

Don't admit to speeding.

No matter what you do, never fully admit that you were speeding. If you say, "I'm sorry I was speeding," the cops will automatically have to give you a ticket. Also, if you do end up fighting your ticket in traffic courts, the officer that pulled you over will have your admission to speeding in his notes. It's better to be quiet or act surprised and you may get out of a speeding ticket.

Ask for a warning.

Sometimes, just politely asking a cop for a warning can work. Unless you've done anything serious like going 60 MPH in a school zone, police officers will be open to this request. In most cases, warnings can be added to a police officer's traffic ticket quota anyway. So if you've obeyed all of the officer's requests and you haven't given them any ammunition, they should be more willing to give you a warning and let you get out of a speeding ticket.

Don't stare at them.

If you stare at police officers in your side view or rear view mirror, it can come off as suspicious. The more they notice this, the more the situation can escalate, resulting in a possible search. It's better to keep your hands on the steering wheel where they can see them and just wait until they're done with the process. It's easy to be nervous around them, but try not to stare too much.

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About the Creator

Madeline Zenk

Certified nutritionist. Yoga teacher and meditation guru. Proud mother of twins.

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