How to Avoid a Traffic Ticket

You are in a rush to get to work, or running late to pick up the kids. Your mind may be elsewhere and you forget to signal. Suddenly you find yourself being pulled over by the police. It happens to everyone at one point in their lives and whether you actually get a ticket or not in most cases is entirely up to you. Following are some tried and true techniques for insuring you don't receive a ticket.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Be Respectful

1. Never get an attitude with the officer who pulled you over, he or she is just doing their job. In many cases whether you get a citation or not is at their discretion, so be polite.

2. Apologize, in many situations if you are willing to admit that you were wrong for speeding, not using your turning signal or running that stop sign the officer will be more likely to let you off with a warning.

3. Be prepared to give a short explanation. Sometimes officers will be more sympathetic if they know why you were in violation of the law. A good excuse can help avoid a traffic ticket a lot of the time.

4. Have your license and proof of insurance easily accessible. The sooner you can provide these items, the less time the officer will have to get agitated.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep your insurance up to date and keep a current insurance card in your vehicle. In many states it is considered a serious violation if you don't.
• Remember that there are certain times when officers have less discretion, so be understanding if they have to write you a ticket.