How to Get out of a Ticket

Nobody likes getting a ticket, but when you're rushing to get to work on time or cruising country roads a little faster than you should, you're bound to run into a police officer. Rather than resigning yourself to the inevitable, follow these tips to get out of a ticket and walk away with nothing more than a warning.

Things You'll Need

• Driver license, Proof of insurance

Instructions

1. Pull your car safely to the side of the road as soon as you see the light bars or hear the sirens of a cop car. Show immediately that you have no intention of evading the officer, and that you are paying due attention to your surroundings. If you want to get out of a ticket, you must show that you are compliant.

2. Roll your window down as soon as you have pulled over, then place your hands on the steering wheel. This allows the officer to see your hands at all times, and demonstrates your willingness to cooperate.

3. Ask the officer if you can reach inside your glove box, pocket or purse to retrieve your driver license and proof of insurance. Simply reaching into a bag or concealed part of your car will make the officer nervous, which is the last thing you want when you're trying to get out of a ticket.

4. Reply honestly when the officer asks if you know what you were doing wrong. If you were speeding, say, "Sorry, officer, I guess I was going a little too fast." If, however, you don't know what you've done wrong, say so. Cops like honesty, and are more likely to let you get away with a warning if you remain candid.

5. Try a little humor if you feel comfortable, but don't overdo it. Police officers grow weary of citizens who lay it on thick, and you'll probably get a ticket if you annoy the cop. Instead, use light humor that is appropriate for the situation.

6. Say you're sorry--and mean it. Expressing remorse for whatever law you've broken might appeal to the officers' compassionate side, and he might take pity on your state of vulnerability.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to the officer like a human being. Police officers are good at sniffing out fakes, and you won't get out of a ticket with meaningless platitudes.

• Offer a legitimate excuse for speeding or running a red light, or whatever violation you committed.

• Never try to bribe a police officer to get out of a ticket. It's a crime, and you might wind up in jail along with your hefty traffic fine.

• Avoid crying or intense displays of emotion. Again, you don't want to annoy the officer.

• Don't roll down your window or stop on a deserted street if you're pulled over at night. Put on your hazards instead and drive to a lighted area, such as a gas station.