How to Beat a Speeding Ticket

The most effective way of avoiding a ticket for traffic infractions is (Drumroll).... not to commit any! (Rimshot!) Barring that, you can still reduce the chances of shelling out big bucks for fines, insurance surcharges, etc.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• handy, easily reachable storage place for your driver's license and auto registration.
• calm and humble demeanor

1. (Don't cheese it, ) the cops! Even with the best of intentions, I dare say not ALL of us are model citizens ALL the time. Who doesn't press the pedal to the metal when running late for work? Or hang that illegal U-turn when hopelessly lost figuring a legitimate turn will make the situation even worse? When you see those dreaded flashing blue lights in your rear view mirror and the long arm of the law reaches out to grab you, keep in mind that you MIGHT not automatically get a ticket.
2. Order in the court.... "Wa - wa - waaaaa" (think "Dragnet" theme)- You're busted! If a police car is following your vehicle with its lights on, turn on your right blinker and pull over to the side of the road as soon as safely possible. Put on your blinking hazard lights if you're on a highway or busy stretch of road.
   Bear in mind the oft-covered classic rock tune "I Fought the Law (and the Law Won)". The cops are holding all the cards. Your wisest option is to be cooperative.
   Turn off the radio, put down the cell phone and roll down the window.
   Have your license and registration out and ready, as this will be the first thing the officer asks for. Having to search and dig will be a source of frustration and irritation.
   Be polite and calm, addressing the police person as "officer", "sir" or "ma'm".
   If asked if you know what you're being pulled over for, be contrite and honest, i.e.: "Well, I guess I was going a bit over the speed limit."
   You may be able to get off with a verbal or written warning in lieu of a full blown ticket if the officer is convinced that you are normally a respectable citizen who realizes and is sorry for what you've done.
   If you're a wiseguy or belligerent, the officer may decide to throw a few more charges your way and you may end up "Breakin' rocks in the hot sun..."
3. In case you DO get ticketed; as a last resort, if you feel it was unwarranted or there were mitigating circumstances; you may want to contest the charge in court. It's a risky stategy - you could end up forfeiting a day's pay - and not win the case, to boot. However, if you DO win you won't have to shell out for fines, insurance charges, etc....

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your driver's license and auto registration in a convenient, quick and easy to reach place and KNOW where they are at all times. My license stays in my wallet, in my pants pocket. My registration sits on top of all the maps, manuals, etc. stuffed inside my glove compartment.
• Driving drunk or drugged is asking for trouble. If you're bagged while doing either you're chances of beating the rap are slim to none.