How to Talk to a Cop When You're Pulled Over for Speeding
We've all done it. Maybe you were thinking about something else. Maybe you didn't know the proper speed limit. Maybe you were in hurry. Regardless, we've all exceeded the speed limit at some point, whether intentionally or unintentionally. If you talk to a cop in the right way, you may not get a ticket. But, how do you talk to a cop when you're pulled over for speeding?
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Instructions
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Roll down your window as the officer is coming to your door. You are showing the officer you have nothing to hide. This is also essential if you have tinted windows.
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Have your information ready. Get out your proof of insurance and your registration paperwork. You can keep all of this easily accessible by purchasing a holder for this information and keeping it in your glove box or console at all times. These handy items are available for purchase at a local automotive store. By having this information ready, you decrease the amount of time the officer has to wait.
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Be respectful! Police officers and state troopers are people, too. They are just doing their jobs. By being respectful and nice, they are more apt to be sympathetic to you and cite you with a warning or at the least write the ticket for less of a charge.
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Be cooperative. Answer the officer's questions honestly and without hesitation. This will help him do his job more efficiently and get you back on the road more quickly. If you are uncooperative, he will be more inclined to throw the book at you, so to speak, and cite for everything possible based on the infraction you made.
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Be willing to engage in small talk if the officer starts it. Sometimes, establishing a more personal connection with the officer makes it more likely that he will be lenient. Be conversational, laugh and take part in the conversation.
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Thank him or her. Let the officer know you appreciate knowing what you did wrong.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not try to bribe a cop, ever!
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Comments
View all 6 Comments-
focus123
Sep 14, 2008
I agree with the other commentors. You can be polite if you want, but don't expect to get out of a ticket. Just last fall I got pulled over for a weaving course and excessive horn use. I was quite polite and forwarded the officer all of my documentation. If didn't help a bit. He ticketed me for reckless op, driving without shoes and possession of paraphernalia. So much for being Mr. Nice Guy. -
focus123
Sep 14, 2008
I agree with the other commentors. You can be polite if you want, but don't expect to get out of a ticket. Just last fall I got pulled over for a weaving course and excessive horn use. I was quite polite and forwarded the officer all of my documentation. If didn't help a bit. He ticketed me for reckless op, driving without shoes and possession of paraphernalia. So much for being Mr. Nice Guy.
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nsidiouz
Jan 23, 2008
oh and take it from me.. if its a speeding like careless driving, sweet talk doesnt work so id advise paying a traffic agent to get you off on the conviction instead of paying the fine, due to the fact that having 1 or 2 tickets on ur driver abstract raises insurance premiums by thousands of dollars. and with a license suspension.. you can kiss your driving priviledges good bye. unless ur a rockefeller and can afford it :)
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nsidiouz
Jan 23, 2008
bad advice, he will know ur kissing ass and cite you even worse!!! GOOD advice would be to not say anything at all. then contest the speeding ticket by pleading not guilty and postponing the trial date 6 months into advance. By saying nothing when an officer pulls you over, it is less likely he will remember anything about the incident seeing how they write 100's of tickets every day. The less u say the less the officer will remember and come court time, the officer will have a hard time recalling the incident meaning TICKET DISMISSED. it also helps if you post pone the ticket court date 2 or 3 times .. so the officer really has a hard time rememebering
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sdwriter68
Dec 27, 2007
Good advice!
