Comments on: How to Avoid Common Traffic Tickets Other Than Speeding

on 5/6/2007 There are two violations that are commonly overlooked. They are not stopping prior to executing a right turn at a red light or stop sign, and cruising in the passing lane. Both are particular pet peeves of mine. Rarely are people pulled over for either, but I sure wish they would be. When it does happen, the fines are often extremely stiff (which makes me very happy).

on 8/26/2006 This guide is about driving in the city, or city highways, when police patrols are waiting on the corners and pulling cars over for either routine check or because they saw you make a traffic violation - for that they're usually waiting on problematic spots, where a lot of violations and accidents occur.

Number one, fasten your seatbelt and turn your headlights on. Of course, don't use your cell phone. Cops are especially irritated by people who make these small mistakes, and usually when they see you driving with your headlights on, seatbelt fastened, and both hands on the steering wheel, they'll immediately forget about you and turn their eyes to the car behind you. Another trick - if you see a cop looking at you (with peripheral vision, don't ever look back at them), check your rear view mirror. Cop thinks - OK, this one is driving safely and paying attention to conditions in the traffic. Won't pull you over, unless he's a young gun with no experience. But, young cops are accompanied by older cops, so no real danger.

Number two, respect all traffic rules and speed limits, don't even make a tiniest violation.

Number three, make your car look good, but not too good. If it's an older one, wash it, polish it, make it look new. If it's a new car, don't drive it perfectly cleaned, for the cop will think "this one is an inexperienced driver, he just got his first car" (if you're younger) or "this one pays too much attention to his car, he must be a potential speeder". I won't explain the psychology further, just follow these words.

Number four, and possibly the most important one. Cops always wait on the right side of the road, even if there are two lanes. So, if there are two lanes (city highway), drive in the left one and you're safe. If there's just one lane, act like you didn't notice the patrol and continue with your current speed. You're not speeding, right? We covered that in rule number two. Don't slow down, don't look at the cop, otherwise he won't have any other choice but to pull you over. Psychology, once again. If you prepare yourself for getting pulled over, and the cop sees it, you will get pulled over.

That's about it, and I think it's clear that this guide was intended for situations where you must not get pulled over (driving without license, driving an unregistered car). Of course, you'll do that only when necessary - when you need to get somewhere without delay, and are willing to risk paying a huge fine for it.

Or, if you just hate getting pulled over and talking to cops, this is the guide to follow as well. You know the traffic rules, follow them, follow this guide, and you can get pulled over only by a very young cop or a mentally challenged one. Foolproof, if you follow this guide, you did your part to avoid getting pulled over.

on 7/5/2006 In Ontario, it is considered running a red light if your vehicle is anywhere in the intersection when the light turns red, either just entering or just leaving. Also, you can be charged if you obviously accelerate through a yellow when you had a more than reasonable distance to stop.

on 1/16/2006 Turn signals aren't just a courtesy - there are many situations where a turn signal helps avoid an accident. The danger of getting a ticket may not be too great, but too many drivers on 3- or 4-lane highways will change lanes without signaling. Change lanes slowly, but deliberately, after signaling. An especially dangerous situation: two people changing into the middle lane at the same time, one from the right, and one from the left. If signals aren't used, both will be in for a surprise.

on 11/22/2005 When you are waved by another driver signaling that it is okay for you to proceed to cross traffic, wave back to him "No, thanks" and go only when YOU can see that the coast is clear. If he doesn't see all directions are clear and there is an accident, you are at fault.