It's nearly 6:30 pm, and because your work held you back, you're late for an early dinner with your wife at your favorite restaurant. You're still on the highway, and since you're trying to make up for lost time, you increase your vehicle's speed to 80 miles per hour— way over the speed limit. You drive with ease, knowing you'll make it on time.
That is, until a police car trails you and signals you to pull over. Uh oh. Busted. Another speeding ticket.
Even if you're careful out on the road, you still can't help but bend the laws every now and then. For example, if there's an emergency and you need to get to a place as soon as possible, you usually increase your speed. Of course, the possibility of getting caught is always there. Before you know it, you've got a traffic ticket in your hand.
Getting and dealing with a speeding ticket is not always easy. Since you're one of those who always gets one, you wish there's a way to get rid of that “payin' paper” you have.
Well, you're in luck. There are many ways to completely avoid or get rid of a speeding violation. You just need to know the right tactics.
No Ticket, No Worry
The best way to get rid of a speeding ticket is NOT TO GET ONE AT ALL. In the first place, why are you getting issued a speed ticket? Is it because you are completely unmindful of traffic laws? Is it because your car stands out? Maybe you're not using smart road tactics.
Being a responsible driver is important, but it's not everything. You must be aware of smart driving maneuvers so you can run and pass through a cop's radar. Even if you ARE speeding, you won't catch his eye and you'll struggle free from his grip.
Here are some simple and smart pointers to remember when you're out on the open road.
•Know your limit. Everyone always wants to abide by the law, but there are instances when you have to let your obedience “slip”. Here's one tip: be aware of the area's speed limit. If you need to speed up, try not to go more than nine miles per hour over the actual limit. You won't be so obtrusive to the cops, yet you can quicken up your pace.
•Avoid the left lane. Those who speed up while driving at the left lane are more noticeable than those in the other lanes. Use the left lane only for passing. Also, stay in the middle lane as much as possible because if you're speeding along with other vehicles, the first or the last cars are more likely to get caught than those in the middle.
•Never call attention to yourself. Check your vehicle. Are there too many vehicle modifications? Are the bumper stickers intact? Are your lights working? Is the music blaring too loudly? Being less noticeable makes you less prone to ticket acquisition.
•Find a “rabbit”. No, not the cute and cuddly furry animal, but rather a unknowing speeding driver that's going at the speed you like to travel at. Follow him discreetly, at least 50 to 100 miles yards. If the cop is using a speeding radar, the rabbit will trip the trap. He'll get a speeding ticket, while you get the warning.
•Forget speeding if yours is the only car in the road. You'll be mincemeat for traffic cops in no time.
•Never tailgate, drive in an aggressive manner or change lanes frequently. Not only will you annoy other drivers and attract a cop with a speeding ticket, but you'll also attract accidents. Be courteous to your fellow drivers. Use your signal lights.
•Get yourself a radar detector. Since many cops use radar guns to track law-breaking drivers, this is car equipment you'll find handy. A radar detector lets you know if you're being monitored or not and gives you a warning, so you'll have time to slow down to the actual speed limit and avoid getting caught. There are just two basic drawbacks: first, it's not legal, and second, it's costly. A decent radar detector can cost you $300.
Better Start Talking
Suppose you DO get caught driving at a speed over the allowed limit. You watch the stern officer walk closer to your vehicle and you sweat continuously as he takes out a small pad. Well, one thing's for sure, he isn't getting your autograph.
If you think that whining, arguing and blackmailing will help you avoid that dreaded ticket --- think again. Although these tactics can work, most of the time they just blow up in your face. You can even get additional charges aside from speeding, like insulting an officer. If you go too far, your car may be impounded and you'll end up in jail.
You should opt for simpler and safer ways. Here are three “no ticket” tactics to remember when you get pulled over for speeding.
•Act innocent. Or stupid, as some would call it. When the officer walks to you, just remain seated and don't get out of the vehicle. Look very contrite and polite. When the cop starts throwing questions at you like “Do you know why I asked you to pull over” or “Do you know how fast your car was going?” play dumb and answer “I'm not sure”. Never admit your guilt.
•Act scared. When the cop tells you that he is writing you a ticket, act frightened, as if the ticket means it's the end of the world. Most cops will waver at this. If you're a girl, this will work very well. If you're good at alibis, make up one instantly ---- something that'll make the cop feel sorry for you. For example, you may reason out that you just failed a calculus test and you were so worried about your parents' scorn that you didn't realize how fast you were going. If he falls for it, he'll let you go.
•Ask for a warning. Being sincere and remorseful is key to banishing that ticket. Apologize profusely for your noncompliance. In the nicest way you can, ask the cop to just give you a warning instead of a ticket. Promise him you won't do it again, that you were careless for just this one time. If you're good and convincing enough, you'll get to persuade him and kiss that ticket goodbye.
See You In Court
After playing nice and innocent, acting scared and even after the sob story you told him, the officer is still insistent on giving you a ticket. No matter what the facts may be, you should always plead “not guilty” and refuse to pay for the ticket. When this happens, it's time for you to get a court date. You'll now have to defend yourself against the prosecutor and before a judge for why you shouldn't pay for the speeding ticket.
Being in court sounds frightening, and you might start feeling weak and helpless. On the contrary, dealing with the speeding ticket in court is pretty manageable, as long as you know how to play it to your advantage.
One tip is to delay the court date. Keep putting it off. If the case is always delayed, the officer who gave you the ticket might forget about it. The rule is, if he doesn't show up for the court date, the ticket will be dismissed and you'll be off the hook.
Another effective tactic is to request information. Depending on the local laws, they can give different data to you, like copies of the manufacturers' names, models, serial numbers and makes of the radar guns being used in the place. Copies of the past six months' maintenance records of the radar guns can also be requested. You can also ask for a copy of the patrol assignments for the date you were issued the ticket, and a copy of the Authorized Certification of Training given to the officer who issued the ticket.
Having all this information at reach not only gives you something to work with, but it can also intimidate the officer. Chances are, he won't show up so he won't have to deal with all this crap, letting you go free without any ticket.
During the court session, remember these tips:
•Dress appropriately. Look polished and proper so they will treat you respectfully.
•Keep your cool. It's the officer's duty to prove that you are guilty. Losing your head during the proceedings may turn the tables on you.
•Check the wording of the code you violated. If the officer fails to prove you guilty in any part of the code, then your case can be dismissed. If you're lucky, the judge will decide that you're not guilty. You won't need to worry about that awful speeding ticket.
Let's face it: we all get a little reckless and unmindful while out on the open road. Getting a speeding ticket is common today but it can be a real pain in the butt. If you ever do find yourself at risk of getting one, remember these tactics. Maybe you can banish that awful “payin' paper” once and for all!