Eight Traffic Ticket Tips

[eric&gen 0]

Nobody likes paying for tickets. But if you're a driver, they're a fact of life -- especially at the end of the month or around the holidays when cops scramble to fill their quotas. The odds are that as a motorist you're going to have a run-in with the law.

While we don't condone unsafe driving, we do believe that there are ways to make sure a bad day on the road doesn't lead to a bad day for your wallet. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting a ticket. The tips are divided between those you can use on the road when you've been pulled over and those you can use in court, if it gets that far.

On the Road

Be polite

It may be a routine traffic stop to you, but the cop doesn't know how dangerous the situation might be. So, when he pulls you over, keep in mind that he's looking at it as a tense situation. If you're rude, you'll only make it worse and lessen your chances of escaping the ticket. Be polite; roll down your window and turn off your radio. If you smoke, put out the cigarette. All of these things are common courtesy and they all communicate something to the officer: You care enough to give him your undivided attention. Talking on your cell phone or insisting that he hurry up is a surefire way to land yourself a ticket.

Don't talk too much

The more you talk, the more he can use against you in court. That doesn't mean you have to be a mute, but sometimes cops will let you think you're talking your way out of it when they're really just giving you enough rope to hang yourself. Don't let yourself get into a conversation in which you confess to breaking the law so that you may get off with a warning. Once the cop has a confession, he has all he needs to beat you in court should you contest your ticket.

Don't argue or plead ignorance

The side of the road is no place to argue. Sometimes a cop might try to bait you into an argument (they're human and we all have bad days). But, usually, an argument can be avoided. If you can't get the officer to see things your way by calmly and clearly stating your case, don't keep going. If you do, you will only antagonize him.

As for ignorance, think again. It might work if you're a cute girl, but for most guys, it's just a lame excuse. When you get your license, you agree to abide by the rules of the road, so ignorance just isn't going to fly. Plus, it's a common excuse, which means cops hear it all the time and are less likely to let you off with just a warning.

Ask for a warning

It never hurts to ask for a warning. But don't beg -- that's a sign of weakness. It's also very annoying. When an officer gives you a warning, he's doing you a favor, so try to approach asking for a warning the same way you might ask a friend to help you move. It's a big favor on his part, and you've got to make him want to help you.

In Court

Present a strong case

Presenting a strong case is about knowing the law. While it will help to review the relevant portion of the driver's handbook, the judge doesn't need you to tell him about the law; trust me, he knows it. Instead, focus on making yourself an effective advocate: Be organized, be on time, speak clearly, and dress appropriately. All of these things will set you apart from most of the people the judge sees every day, and he'll be more inclined to rule in your favor if you make his job easier.

Accept a plea

If you're looking at multiple charges, ask to plead guilty to the lesser charge in exchange for dismissing the others. You can do this before your proceeding begins. Oftentimes, judges will do this to save time. The benefit to you is that you can save money and points against your insurance. But remember: The plea bargain only benefits you when you're facing many charges.

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Use an attorney

If you're facing serious charges that may result in you losing your license, getting heavy fines or jail time, it's worth bringing a lawyer. That should go without saying, but a lot guys think they can fly solo because it's traffic court. Wrong: When your license and your freedom are on the line, you need a lawyer. Ask a friend or consult your yellow pages to find a lawyer who specializes in traffic offenses.

Request a trial by mail

Most jurisdictions let you make your case by mail. The advantages are twofold. First, you can sit down and think out your case without the pressure of being on the spot and facing the arresting officer and the judge. Second, if you lose, you can request a trial in person, which means you get a second bite at the apple.

Getting ticketed

If there is a common denominator to these tips, it's that you need to know how to handle yourself in a difficult situation. While many men know how to handle a tough day at work or a fight with their girlfriends, an encounter with the law can be a bit scary. The best advice is to relax and fall back on what you've learned.

Check out these other traffic ticket stories:

· Most Expensive States for Speeding Tickets

· What to Do When You Are Pulled Over -- Six Tips From the Police

· The Best Traffic Ticket Excuses

[Bootylicious!! 2]

I've had one speeding ticket my whole driving career, going on 12 years. My uncle is a retired Highway Patrolman so when I got pulled over I nonchalantly said, "My uncle is going to be so disappointed in me." To which the Trooper replied, "Oh really, who's your uncle?" So, I told him. He said, "Oh, I know so and so, I went to school with him." I'm thinking yes, I may just get out of this one. Well, I didn't. He went on and on about how much he knew about my uncle and how nice he was as he was writing my speeding ticket. I learned right then the best way to avoid a ticket was to slow down. So much for connections.

[Fandango 1,439]

I've had one speeding ticket my whole driving career, going on 12 years. My uncle is a retired Highway Patrolman so when I got pulled over I nonchalantly said, "My uncle is going to be so disappointed in me." To which the Trooper replied, "Oh really, who's your uncle?" So, I told him. He said, "Oh, I know so and so, I went to school with him." I'm thinking yes, I may just get out of this one. Well, I didn't. He went on and on about how much he knew about my uncle and how nice he was as he was writing my speeding ticket. I learned right then the best way to avoid a ticket was to slow down. So much for connections.

he might not have shown up to court

[eric&gen 0]

Can you just offer them coffee and dough nuts to get out of a speeding ticket lol.

[Bootylicious!! 2]

I didn't go to court. I got a lawyer to get it reduced. I was doing 60 in a 45. Oh well, I haven't gotten one since then and I hope I don't. Javier has enough for the both of us.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I got out pulled over for speeding (cop said "66 in a 55 zone"--but due to it being in metro Atlanta, maybe higher) in the last week of August 1994. When I showed the cop my foreign (Alberta--issued in Nov 1993) licence, he initially asked "how come you didn't change it within 30 days" which I answered with the information (which I had gotten from the Georgia Patrol) that a foreigner on temp work visa is not required to change the out-of-country licence. The car I was driving was tagged in Gwinnett County (leased--a big mistake on my part, but out of the glister here).

In the end, he let me go saying "It's too much of a migraine to write you up--git outta here!".

note: if I had done what I now consider as the "right thing"--bringing my own, non-US-certifiable car from Calgary--I probably would not have escaped the ticket (except by actually absconding to Canada).

[almaty 19]

i use to drive like a bat out of hell in Kansas..had too 32,000 miles a year in that flat azz state./ i drove a state of kansas prarole board vehicle..got pulled over and always told them ..i was on my way to pick up a criminal at the state pen..never got a ticket...allot of attaboys though

[eric&gen 0]

Only one speeding ticket out of my 14 years of driving. I was drivung on a back road doing 65 in a 35 zone lol.

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

I have never been ticketed for a moving violation. Ever. Not that I'm a great driver, I run red lights in empty intersections due to inattention with alarming regularity... just lucky, I guess.

[Robor007 0]

I got flagged for speeding in a school zone a few years ago. The officer said I was going 34 in a 15. The truth is, I was not going anywhere near that. I *might* have been going 20 but I doubt I was going even that fast. I was coasting down the hill with my foot on the brake. I could clearly see the patrol car across the intersection which was blocked for kids to cross at the time. Why would I be speeding up to come to a stop anyway? I take the same way home from work every day and I know the school zone is there. I didn't think anything of it when I drove by him and when he put on his lights behind me I though he just wanted to pass me. I was surprised when he pulled in behind me. My first though was, 'Oh #######, did I come to a full stop at the sign down the road?'.

When he came to my window he asked for my license & registration. I gave him both plus my insurance card. I was polite and respectful (I have friends who are officers and it's pretty much a thankless job). He asked if I knew why I was pulled over and I said I couldn't remember if I came to a 'complete' stop at the sign down the road. He said, 'No, that's not it. Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?'. I answered, 'No, just on my way home from work'. Then he told me I was going 34 in the school zone. I said, 'No offense but I couldn't have been going that fast. I was coasting with my foot covering the brake to slow down for the school zone. I've been taking this way home for the past 7 years. I know the school zone is here, it was blocked for students to cross, and I could see your patrol car on the other side.' I asked him if he's sure he didn't radar a car exiting the school zone. He said, 'Nope, I'm sure it was you'.

I hoped he would give me a break but nope, he wrote me for 34 in a 15. That's 4 points and a $280 ticket in FL. As I said, I'm 100% positive I was going 20mph or under but in that situation, what can you do? The truth is sometimes there's nothing you can do. It's your word against the officer and when it comes down to that you're not going to win. I was angry because I know it was either the officers mistake or just another speed trap used to generate revenue. I considered fighting it but in the end I had no case. My word against theirs = I lose unless they don't show. In the end I paid my $280 tax, I mean ticket ( ), and went on with life.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I got flagged for speeding in a school zone a few years ago. The officer said I was going 34 in a 15. The truth is, I was not going anywhere near that. I *might* have been going 20 but I doubt I was going even that fast. I was coasting down the hill with my foot on the brake. I could clearly see the patrol car across the intersection which was blocked for kids to cross at the time. Why would I be speeding up to come to a stop anyway? I take the same way home from work every day and I know the school zone is there. I didn't think anything of it when I drove by him and when he put on his lights behind me I though he just wanted to pass me. I was surprised when he pulled in behind me. My first though was, 'Oh #######, did I come to a full stop at the sign down the road?'.

When he came to my window he asked for my license & registration. I gave him both plus my insurance card. I was polite and respectful (I have friends who are officers and it's pretty much a thankless job). He asked if I knew why I was pulled over and I said I couldn't remember if I came to a 'complete' stop at the sign down the road. He said, 'No, that's not it. Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?'. I answered, 'No, just on my way home from work'. Then he told me I was going 34 in the school zone. I said, 'No offense but I couldn't have been going that fast. I was coasting with my foot covering the brake to slow down for the school zone. I've been taking this way home for the past 7 years. I know the school zone is here, it was blocked for students to cross, and I could see your patrol car on the other side.' I asked him if he's sure he didn't radar a car exiting the school zone. He said, 'Nope, I'm sure it was you'.

I hoped he would give me a break but nope, he wrote me for 34 in a 15. That's 4 points and a $280 ticket in FL. As I said, I'm 100% positive I was going 20mph or under but in that situation, what can you do? The truth is sometimes there's nothing you can do. It's your word against the officer and when it comes down to that you're not going to win. I was angry because I know it was either the officers mistake or just another speed trap used to generate revenue. I considered fighting it but in the end I had no case. My word against theirs = I lose unless they don't show. In the end I paid my $280 tax, I mean ticket ( ), and went on with life.

One of my colleagues was pulled over in Gwinnett County (near end of month of course) for doing 73 in a 65 zone (the amount alone shows end-of-month mentality). He happened to be driving a black Saturn--and it was actually ANOTHER black Saturn which had been the right one to catch. Unfortunately, the court didn't bother to even investigate the facts here, so he still wound up with a fine.

[almaty 19]

and DO NOT do what one of my clients did..and offer to blow the cop...

I told that chopf##k..look man, that only works for a woman

[Robor007 0]

One of my colleagues was pulled over in Gwinnett County (near end of month of course) for doing 73 in a 65 zone (the amount alone shows end-of-month mentality). He happened to be driving a black Saturn--and it was actually ANOTHER black Saturn which had been the right one to catch. Unfortunately, the court didn't bother to even investigate the facts here, so he still wound up with a fine.

8 mph over in a 65 zone is pretty weak. I can beat it though. My bro got pulled over on the way from school (UF in Gainesville) back to Tampa. He was going 6 over the speed limit with the flow of traffic. No warning, no break, he got ticketed for 6 over. I told him maybe the trooper was a Seminoles fan!?

[garya505 2]

Here are my 8 Traffic Ticket Tips:

Watch your speed (obey the speed limit, or at least close to it).

Stop at red lights and stop signs.

Hang up the phone and drive.

For women (and some guys), put your make-up on before you leave for work.

For men (and some women), shave before you leave for work.

If it's slippery due to snow and icy and you don't know how to drive on that, then dont.

Don't tailgate (you won't get there any sooner, really!).

Don't run over any bicyclists or pedestrians.

[Thingee 0]

Traffic tips for Virginia:

-Police WILL park at the bottom of a hill waiting for you, ride that brake.

-Turn on your headlights before dusk...at dusk you will be ticketed.

-"I was trying to catch up to the flow of traffic" is not a valid excuse for speeding.(No, I didn't try this one."