Debt Free

Earlier this week I posted about avoiding traffic tickets. In that post I was concerned with keeping you from getting pulled over in the first place. After all, about $8 billion flows through the traffic ticket machine. You don’t want to experience any of that anguish, as you pay out fines, attorney’s fees, and insurance increases that’ll follow you around for years. If you’re trying to get debt free, the last thing you need is to hit your Visa card for $1,500 in attorney’s fees. 

So, maybe my tips to avoid getting stopped by the law were ineffective, or you ignored them altogether. What next? Now you really have to get to work. I hope you’re a smooth talker. If you want your best chance to avoid joining the almost 35 million people who got a traffic ticket last year, here’s what you do.

Steps to Avoid a Traffic Ticket (Hopefully)

1 – Be respectful to the officer. Remember, they’re doing their job. In 99% of the cases, it’s not their fault you got pulled over, it’s yours. They know it, and they deal with crooks and a-holes all day long, so make their day a little easier. Don’t insult them or insinuate they only stopped you because they’re racist.

2 – For God’s sake, don’t admit anything. If they if you know how fast you were going (and if they stopped you for speeding, they probably will), say you’re really not sure. Say this even if your eyes were glued to your speedometer, and that’s why you didn’t see the light you blew through turn red. This little whit lying does not extend to big, blatant lies, like “Hi there! I’m a deputy over in $$#%^&&% County”. You’ll get caught, and not only will you get a ticket, you’ll probably get much worse.

3 – Don’t do anything that might give the office reason to be suspicious. This includes, getting out of the vehicle, reaching under the seat, or looking rapidly around the car when he/she approaches.

4 – Although it’s risen to the level of an urban legend, you’re not going to get out of the ticket by asking to see your speed readout on the officer’s radar unit. Don’t ask.

5 – Don’t try to bribe or name drop the officer. That’s only going to get you in more trouble.

6 – You might try to come up with a believable story, especially if it’s true and the circumstances are extenuating. If you really do have to go to the bathroom so bad you’re having cramps, it might work. Tell the cop you’re already having a really rotten day, and throw yourself on his mercy. You might get some sympathy.

7 – Have all your paperwork ready for the officer. If you don’t have insurance, you’re going to get nailed for it, so just give up on getting out of a ticket. Even if you have insurance, but don’t have proof of insurance with you, you’ll most likely have to prove to the judge you were insured at the time of the traffic stop. Since not having the proof itself is an infraction in many states, you may get a ticket anyway.

Remember to be vigilant. If you’re driving a bit too fast, always keep your eyes open. Remember, going 10 miles an hour over the speed limit will save you only minimal time, unless you’re traveling long distances on the freeway. In most cases, going 75 in a 60mph zone’s just not worth the ticket. As for other infractions, such as failure to signal or driving too slow in the left lane; those of you who drive that way are a safety hazard and a pain in the ass for the rest of us on the road and probably deserve a ticket.

If none of these steps work, and you get a ticket anyway, there are great strategies to get your ticket dismissed in Beat Your Traffic Ticket. Take a look.

Have a nice day!