The Dos & Don'ts Of Getting Out Of A Speeding Ticket

If you made mistakes as a teenager that could potentially hurt your career as an adult, learn from my family's experience on how to help with that situation.

The Dos & Don'ts Of Getting Out Of A Speeding Ticket

6 August 2015
 Categories: Law, Articles


Sometimes you'll find yourself speeding down the road without even realizing it. Maybe you have an emergency situation so you decide 10 miles per hour over the limit isn't a big deal. Unfortunately, the police don't care whether you didn't notice how fast you were going, or if you have something important going on. However, there are things you can do to lower your chances of receiving a speeding ticket. There are also things you do to practically guarantee a ticket. More than 9,300 people are stopped every day, and only about half actually get ticketed. Here are the dos and don'ts of getting out of a speeding ticket.

Don't

1. Flirt or bribe

You might hear stories about people saying they'll flirt with police offers to get out of a ticket, but that doesn't usually work. By flirting with or bribing an officer, you are insulting his or her integrity as a professional. Not only is it likely that he or she will feel insulted, you can be reported. Bribing a police officer is a felony charge that can result in a year in federal prison.

2. Have a bad attitude

If you get pulled over, don't be rude to the police officer. Being rude to the police officer will most likely result in a speeding ticket. You never know if a police officer just pulls you over to give you a warning. If you have a bad attitude, he or she will likely have a change of heart, and ticket you just for having a bad attitude. A little respect goes a long way.

Maybe even try some small talk. Take time to ask the police officer how his or her night is going and make a little small talk. Showing some interest might warm the officer up a little.

3. Don't name drop

Don't try to impress the police officer or try to make him or her feel like you shouldn't be pulled over by dropping names. If you have a name in the community, or even in the world, don't say, "Don't you know who I am," or something similar if you're related to someone with a big name. It will probably make the officer want to give you a ticket even more to prove you aren't above the law.

Do

1. Give a friendly wave

If you find yourself speeding by a police officer, but you aren't actually being pulled over yet, smile and wave at the police officer. The officer will most likely assume he or she knows you and wave back, or it will show the officer that you acknowledge you're speeding and that you're going to slow down.

2. Take responsibility

Taking responsibility for your actions shows maturity and respect. When you're pulled over, playing dumb will only insult the officer. You can't just convince a cop you were doing nothing wrong, when you were obviously pulled over for a reason. Police officers have heard every excuse in the book. If you say anything, just apologize for speeding.

3. Just ask

If you want to receive a warning instead of a ticket, just ask. Just make sure you have respect and manners while you do it. Ask the officer nicely if there is any way he or she would consider letting you off with a warning that one time. If you're told no, smile and say you understand. You might end up getting one just based on your reaction to the let-down. Treat the officer the way you would want to be treated.

If you feel like you've gotten a ticket unfairly, contact lawyers — like those at Roadlawyers — to assist you in fighting the ticket or getting it reduced.

About Me
teenage mistakes that could ruin adult careers

My son has had the goal of becoming an attorney since he was about 14 years old. Unfortunately, he made a very poor decision with a group of friends when he was 16 that put his future plans in jeopardy. When my son told me what had happened and we received the citation, I knew that we had to hire an attorney to help him through this. I could not see how a small incident such as this should hurt his chances for success when he is an adult. Thankfully, things worked out for us, but it was a long journey which you can follow on our blog.