Many people claim they can talk their way out of a traffic ticket. Others claim that the best way to handle being pulled over is by fighting the ticket in court. Still others say it’s best just to accept the ticket, pay the fine, and move on with life.
Image credit: digidreamgrafix | FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Here are some things to consider when you decide whether you should try to talk your way out of the ticket or try to fight it.
Avoiding the ticket
Some sources say that cops are trained to decide whether they are going to issue a citation or a warning before they even get out of their car.
Some people, however, claim they have talked an officer out of issuing a ticket.
As long as you don’t plan on fighting the traffic ticket in court, you have nothing to lose by admitting your guilt and apologizing—except maybe fines and a raised insurance premium.
You probably don’t want to resort to begging, but a simple “I’m sorry, officer, I should have been more careful” shows respect and humility. If you sound sincere, an officer may just issue a warning and send you on your way.
Tips for avoiding a ticket:
- Don’t argue with the officer.
- Don’t make any excuses or attempt to justify the violation.
- Don’t try to bribe the officer in any way.
- Do make it clear you are not a threat by turning on dome lights and keeping your hands visible at all times (preferably on the steering wheel).
Stewart Rutledge of Lifehacker.com believes that a huge factor in you getting or avoiding a ticket is the way you treat the officer. He suggests that you not try to discuss anything with the officer until he completes the basics of the ticket process, like gathering your information and running it through his system.
After these formalities, Rutledge suggests that you plead your case and beg for mercy, all the while remaining as non-memorable as possible, leaving the door open for future attempts to get out of the ticket.
Fighting the ticket
Fighting a ticket and getting it dismissed has many benefits. It keeps points from being added to your license, saves you the cost of fines, and keeps your insurance from going up.
If you choose to fight a ticket, it’s a good idea to exercise your Fifth Amendment right—the right to remain silent. You will still need to comply with the officer’s requests (such as showing identification and signing a ticket), but you don’t have to say anything that could be used against you.
You may need to seek professional help with your case, especially if the ticket is for something that would go on a criminal record, such as a DUI or a DWI.
Tips for fighting a ticket:
- Make sure all the information on the ticket is correct. Politely ask the officer to correct any misinformation.
- Take notes of the weather and driving conditions and any other pertinent details. If possible, respectfully ask the cop how he detected the traffic violation (if he used a radar gun, where he was positioned, and so on).
- Again, do not admit to guilt directly or indirectly. Keep your answers as short as possible—simple “yes” or “no” responses should suffice. If the officer tells you he clocked you going 15 mph over the limit, say something ambiguous like, “I see.”
Whether you choose to try and get out of the ticket or to fight it, always remain calm and respectful. Getting pulled over can be nerve-wracking. However you have nothing to worry about if you are cooperative and courteous.
(Information credit: www.NYtickethelp.com)
Anica Oaks
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