Comments on How to Get a Warning Instead of a Ticket

Another user suggested being honest, and while we can all appreciate the idealism here, there's a certain amount of intelligence necessary if you want to avoid a ticket. Never incriminate yourself - if you do, you just wrote yourself a ticket! This can be difficult to do while still maintaining an honest/innocent demeanor. For example: An officer asks you if you know why they pulled you over. Of course you do, you're not an idiot.. but you're also not dumb enough to incriminate yourself. In this situation, I've responded along the lines of, "I'm sorry, I was hoping you were going to tell me." It's not the best line in the world, but it's gotten me out of a couple of sticky situations.

Another user suggested being honest, and while we can all appreciate the idealism here, there's a certain amount of intelligence necessary if you want to avoid a ticket. Never incriminate yourself - if you do, you just wrote yourself a ticket! This can be difficult to do while still maintaining an honest/innocent demeanor. For example: An officer asks you if you know why they pulled you over. Of course you do, you're not an idiot.. but you're also not dumb enough to incriminate yourself. In this situation, I've responded along the lines of, "I'm sorry, I was hoping you were going to tell me." It's not the best line in the world, but it's gotten me out of a couple of sticky situations.

1. Don't cry! If you're a female this may work, but for dudes it's just sad. 2. Don't act like you have to be somewhere or they will take hours writing your ticket. 3. Be respectful, notice that a lot of officers like to be called by there title. 4. Don't start blasting that you're going to fight the ticket or that you'll see him in court. 5. Don't mention anything he didn't ask you for. 6. If you can't afford a $208.50 ticket, don't be speeding 20-30 over the limit. 7. Remember, most officers are pretty cool off work and they usually hate being on patrol. 8. Ask how there day is going, small talk can be a good thing!

I wouldn't recommend doing this in most (if any) situations, but there's a way of getting out of a citation for those who are a bit bolder than the rest of us. Before the officer writes the ticket, admit to committing an absolutely insane series of crimes. The reason this sometimes works is because cops hate paperwork. But only try it if the officer looks like he's tired or doesn't seem likely to go to great lengths to make this stunt blow up in your face. I say "he" because female officers are more likely to slap the cuffs on you and sit through the mountain of paperwork. And don't try it on younger cops either for the same reason. Look for middle-aged men that look like they're at the end of their shift. Also, laziness is proportional to fatness, so look for that too. Ask a question as simple as, "Had a long day officer?" and you'll know right away whether he's up for the hours of paperwork that await him if you suddenly spring on him that you just recently had sex with a stray dog to win a bet against the local bums in order to make enough money to get into the international drug/prostitution/weapons trade. Try to mention as many illegal things as possible, the more absurd the better, and whatever you do, don't stop talking long enough for him to ask any questions. If he knows what you're trying to pull and wants to avoid hours of paperwork, then he'll leave you alone and find an easier perp to fill his quota. But if you found him on a bad day or remind him of the guy who shot his brother, then I hope you've got a good lawyer.

From an NYPD Police Officer: If you are pulled over at night, make sure you turn EVERY light in your car on. It will show the officer that you have nothing to hide and will put him or her at ease. This one is a bit tougher, but try not to slam on your brakes when an officer turns on the lights/siren and signals for you to pull over. Keep your hands in sight at all times, turn on all your lights before or as soon as you pull over (don't forget to signal, or better yet, put on your 4-way hazards), and make sure that you roll down at least the driver's side window, if not all windows. To put the icing on the cake, turn off your car and place your keys on top of the dashboard, or slowly place them on top of your car. If you will need to reach into the glove compartment, your pocket, or anywhere else, make sure to tell the officer first. Remember, your goal is to make the police officer as calm as possible. Never admit guilt! Always use your best "I'm terribly sorry officer, I didn't mean to cause any trouble," or something along those lines. If you admit to going above the speed limit, you just wrote yourself a ticket. Stay safe out there!

Doing the speed limit can also be considered "speeding." The posted speed limit may not be the right speed for the conditions. Doing the speed limit when you should be doing less than the limit is in violation of the Basic Speed Law.

If we don't want to get tickets/warnings, why don't we just observe and comply with traffic laws? Let's remember that traffic laws and regulations are there to protect our lives and properties.

Do not become nervous if you are pulled over, you will give the officer unneeded but justified cause to suspect other things like drugs, drinking or weapons possession. The result will delay you from being on your way. Just listen and follow their instructions and relax, and act calm. The officer is just doing his job and this will make it easier on both you and them. Also if they are questioning you, do not hesitate with your answers, or avoid the questions. If you are calm and relaxed and cooperate it will be easier on both you and the officer. They will most likely go easy on you. Remember, you may know you are not hiding anything, but they don't until they assess you and your actions. They are trained to look for tell-tale signs by observing you both verbally and physically. So don't give them a reason to suspect anything and make it harder on yourself (and them).

Pull over ASAP! If on the freeway, pull over as far to the right as possible even if this means driving on the dirt. Roll the window down. Place hands on top of the steering wheel in an open position. Keep hands in the sight of the officer at all times.

This is annoying, but it's not meant to be. They are checking your vehicle for weapons, etc. and it's a necessary step for them. Another good reason to turn your interior light on if stopped at night!

The police officer's role in our society is to encourage voluntary compliance with the law. If you know you committed a traffic violation, admit you were in the wrong immediately. Once you take away the incentive for the officer stopping you (to tell you that you did something wrong) the officer will most likely think "mission accomplished" and move on to something else. Note: Don't assume the officer is stopping you for a traffic violation. It could be that your car matches the description of a vehicle used in a crime. Stay in the car with your hands on the wheel. If the officer asks you for something, say "I'll need to reach into my (pocket/glovebox/etc) to get it." This will ensure that you don't spook the officer. Be polite and respectful and expect the same in return.