Traffic Violation
Traffic Violation
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Avoid Those Points: How to Fight Your Traffic Violations
When a police officer pulls you over in your car for speeding or any other moving violation, you have very few opportunities to avoid getting a ticket. In some cases, such as when you are exceeding the speed limit by an exorbitant amount, you might not be able to convince the officer you don't deserve a ticket. For minor infractions, however, you've got some leeway.
Don't Acknowledge the Violation
The first rule to avoid getting a ticket is never admit you did something wrong. A traffic violation is not a serious crime, but the same rules apply to speeders as to murderers. Acknowledging your crime serves as a confession, and you'll almost always receive a citation.
For example, when the police officer approaches your car, you don't want to say, "Was I speeding a bit?" This tells him that you knew you were breaking the law but disregarded it anyway, and he'll be able to use it later if you go to court to fight it.
No Sudden Moves
You might be the most law-abiding citizen in the world. Perhaps you were speeding across town to get to your volunteer job on time, or maybe your best friend's grandmother has been rushed to the hospital. Nevertheless, the police officer doesn't know you are a boy scout who always tips at least 25 percent and never leaves the toilet seat up.
To avoid getting a ticket, make sure you do everything within your power to put the police officer at ease. Keep your hands on the wheel at all times unless you tell the officer you are reaching for something, and try to stay as calm and collected as possible.
Give a Reason
The only time you should break rule number one (never acknowledge the violation) is when you actually have a valid reason for breaking the law. This is usually the most effective way to avoid getting a ticket, but only if your reason is plausible and easily proved.
Perhaps you were informed of an emergency at work or maybe you are worried about your elderly mother, who you've just discovered is home alone. Whatever the case, a solid reason might convince the officer that you don't deserve a ticket. The last thing you want to do, however, is make something up.
Be Original
Police officers spend all day driving the streets, watching for citizens to break the law. Their work lives are often monotonous and boring, despite the heroic and exciting visions you might have of a police officer's job. To avoid getting a ticket, you might consider making the officer laugh.
This is only appropriate if you think the officer will find your joke or comment amusing, so don't try this tip unless you're sure you can pull it off. If the officer is stone-faced and grim, now might not be the time for jokes. However, if he seems like an amiable fellow, give original humor a try.
Treat Her Equally
You might be pulled over by a female police officer, and if you want to avoid getting a ticket, you won't treat her any differently than you would a male officer. Derogatory or sexist comments will simply anger her, and jokes about her gender are likely to bring down her wrath.
Make a Donation
In most cities, police departments accept donations from the public and will give you a sticker to put on the back of your vehicle as a reward. This is a great way to avoid getting a ticket because police officers will know you support their work.
You can also join anti-crime organizations in your city and display the decals on your car. For example, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers the H.E.A.T. program, which stands for "Help End Auto Theft." When you join, you are giving officers the right to pull your vehicle over between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. to combat automobile theft. However, it also shows you support law enforcement and might help your case.
About the Author
Steve Thompson is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a lawyer or more law articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Avoid Those Points: How to Fight Your Traffic Violations