Get out of a Speeding Ticket

So, you were pulled over for speeding.   Sure, you didn't do anything wrong; you were just going too fast.    Maybe you were daydreaming and not paying attention to the speed limit.   Was it a construction zone, and the speed limit reduced?   You didn't know about that, right? Or, Mom just got home from the hospital and you needed to get her presciption filled, and FAST!!

Either way, you got pulled over.

Speeding?  Know the odds.  Sooner or Later - you will get caught.   So, now what happens? The cop car lights are following you.  You have the fear of being pulled over. Now you ARE being pulled over. What to do??

The first thing that comes to mind is - "HEY DUDE, I WASN'T SPEEDING"..... That will get you nowhere.   How about "HEY MAN, I JUST THIS CAR, AND I WAS TESTING IT OUT". That's even worse.    Law Enforcement Officers tend to be more leinent to those who are kind, polite and educated.... So what does this mean? Be kind, polite, and be honest.

Slowly, and calmly pull your car over to a safe place.  The shoulder of the road, or even better - a parking lot. But, don't wait too long (or go to far) to do it.  Just find a safe place, and quickly (no - don't speed there!).

Roll down your window and keep your hands on the steering wheel.  Do not - by any means, start searching around your car for anything - your documents, etc.  Just KEEP your hands on the steering wheel. The officer must evaluate you before he ASKS you for your credentials.

He may ask that you step out of the car.  Do so. Or... he may ask for your credentials, at which time you can tell him that you will fetch them.  Tell him (and make it clear) where they are - e.g. My License is in my glove box, may I get it for you? or, My registration is in my pocket - is it allright to get it for you?

Remember, the officers are subject to many things during the day and night. Not only do they watch for speeders, but they also make their runs for robbery, assault, battery, and many other things. That's their job, right? If they suspect that you may have a gun in your pocket or glove box, they may ask you to step out of the car and call for backup.

Speak slowly, calmly, and clearly. Ask what they wish for you to do, and OBEY their requests (of course, within reason).

The officer will go back to his patrol car and "run" your driving record history. He will then come back to you, return your credentials, and talk to you about the incident. Here are the frequent scenarios:

Clean driving record: (0 to 4 points)

Speeding a wee bit over the limit will most likely get you a warning. Speeding 15+ miles over the limit will most likely get you a ticket.

Not So Clean driving record: (4 to ??? points)

Speeding, by any means over the limit will get you a ticket. Depending upon your driving history, you could get hit with other offenses also. Those could include reckless driving, careless driving, and if you talk back, verbal assault of an officer.

Depending upon the charge, (and your driving history) your reaction should be different to each.

With a warning, you should thank him for not writing you a ticket.

If he indicates that you were speeding 5 mph over the limit, ask that he reconsider the charge.  Tell him that you did not realize that you were going over the limit, and point out to him that you never had a ticket in the past (or had a ticket 5 years ago). This normally works.  You may drive away with a ticket for "no seatbelt" or "break light out".  or it may be your lucky day and you may get a warning in lieu of a summons.

If he indicates that you were speeding 10 to 15 mph over the limit, ask that he check his radar - possibly he "clocked" another vehicle in lieu of yours, and you feel that it may be a mistake.

(Don't tell him that he was wrong, or call him a liar - this will just get you in worse trouble).  While 10 to 15 mph over the limit is a big offense, he may conclude to write you a summons for a lesser charge - e.g. 5 mph over the limit.  At least this will reduce the ticket cost as well as the points charged on your license and your insurance.

So, the officer decided to issue you a speeding ticket. Now, you must admit guilt (pay the ticket) or appear in court to fight the summons. Now, what should you do?    That depends:  Do you have a good driving record, or a bad one?  What are your state's rules and regulations?  Will you be surcharged (from the State or your Insurance Company) for this violation if you admit guilt? If so, a $100. speeding ticket could wind up costing you $1000.'s of dollars!

Maybe you have decided to go to court and fight the ticket.   With a good driving record, the ticket would normally be reduced to a nominal charge. Show up to court with a bad driving record..... well, that could be a problem (on your part).

Now, remember, showing up to court is a roll of the dice for you. The officer MUST make an appearance. If he doesn't, your charge will be either postponed or dismissed.    If you have a terribly bad driving record, it may be in your best interest to hire a traffic attorney.

Anyway you cut it, you should not be speeding. It only affects your driving history and makes tons of money for your township or state via tickets (summonses).   Speeding tickets are another way of funding your state's deficit.

Easy - Don't speed. Keep your local area's accidents down. I see all too many "gravemarkers" on the side of the road in our town. Don't speed, it keeps your costs down - including fines, surcharges, insurance and other items.    Learn from your mistakes, and don't make the same mistake again. It's smart to keep yourself "buckled" in, and abide by the rules.    Best of luck to all.