Friday, April 11, 2008

2. Kindness Counts - Cops see a lot of crap in the line of duty, the least you can do is not add to it. When you're pulled over, turn the engine off, have your license and registration ready, roll down the window and keep your hands on the wheel when he approaches. If you're wearing a hat or sunglasses, take it off. Never get out of your car or be provocative in any way. Simple courtesies like this will work in your favor. When he starts talking to you, kill him with kindness and be very polite. Remember, he has the high ground.

3. Admit fault immediately - This is usually the best way to get out of a speeding ticket. When the cop asks, “do you know why I pulled you over?” Or something along those lines. Simply respond "Yes, I was speeding." Usually this will catch the cop off guard. People try to come up with a million excuses as to why they were speeding, but unless you’re speeding to the hospital there really isn't a good excuse.

Don’t forget that cops are human. Don't you hate it when people give you excuse after excuse? Cops hear excuses all day and they could care less about yours. Simply admit speeding was the reason you were pulled over. That’s it. Often times, you'll find yourself on your way in a few minutes with a written warning. This also depends on your driving record as well. If you have a lot of tickets on your record, especially with the traffic authority the officer represents, he'll be more likely to issue you a ticket.

4. Fight it in court - There are as many strategies for fighting a ticket as the sky is blue. Here are some common tips. Show up to the court date, preferably in a suit and tie. Often times the cop will not show up, often times they have to appear in court on their own time and they have so many possible court dates that there's a good chance he won't show up at all. Usually this means the judge will rule in your favor. If the cop does show up, challenge the validity of the radar equipment. Ask when the last time the equipment was calibrated, ask to see the logs. This will create lots of delay and can work in your favor. Create as much delay as possible.

Another strategy is to file continuing motions to string things out for as long as possible. Most people would rather avoid this method; you'll end up with as much in court costs as the ticket would have cost you, plus the cost of a lawyer if you don't feel you are up to fighting it. Also be sure to be very respectful of the judge and the officer. Don’t be a jerk. That will not help you.

5. Pay it and take defensive driving - Sometimes it's best to just suck it up and deal with it. Get the money order and just pay the ticket. If you're worried about your insurance going up, most municipalities have programs where you can take a defensive driving course and the ticket won't show up on your driving record at all. Nowadays most of these courses amount to a 4 hour video and a test you can take online. Paying the ticket and the cost of the course is a lot cheaper in the long run against higher insurance premiums. Look at the bright side; it might actually make you a better driver.

6. It's about who you now - This is where your extended network of friends and family comes in handy. It's called six degrees of separation. You've got to be able to connect to someone you know in the court of city government that can simply make the ticket 'go away' or help the court rule in your favor. If you know someone who knows the cop, perhaps they can get the cop to drop it once that personal connection is made. It never hurts to be friends with a cop. However, in some cases this is not exactly the right thing to do.

7. Don’t Pout - If you're a girl, don't expect to be able to use your good looks and whatnot to get out of a ticket. Cops are generally impervious to your charms, especially if the officer in question is a woman. Do not play dumb to the cop or pull down your top a little to show off your assets. It won't work and may actually work against you.

8. If you’re Drunk – You’re screwed. Don’t drink and drive.

Have your own tips? Post it in the comments or send us an e-mail.