Uh oh. Forthwith you've done it. You hear the siren. You influence pulled over. A stern-looking officer wants to be schooled if you're aware of the hurry borderline and asks for your licence and registration. You are approximately to receive a speeding ticket. Any way you can beat it?
Be Nice
Your first chance to fight the speeding ticket occurs before the officer issues it to you. You hope he will let you off with a warning. Police officers respond to politeness just like the rest of us, so be polite. They deal with violent outlaws on a regular basis, and officers have been killed during traffic stops; so make sure there is no chance you could be perceived as a threat. Pull over promptly, remain in the car, turn on the interior lights if it is dark out, turn off the radio and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Wait patiently for the officer to approach.
If you are issued a ticket, but believe it was issued in error, document the relevant evidence if you can. Make detailed notes or take photographs that would help make your case.
Ask the Court for Mercy
It may also be a mistake to admit it, unless you do not intend to contest any ticket. It may be reasonable to say that you were unaware of your speeding. If you have no extenuating circumstances to cite, simply asking for a break might do the job.
Ask the Officer for Mercy
Let the office ask what he is going to ask and review the documents he is going to request before asking for a reprieve. Once the preliminaries are out of the way, you can explain why you should not be ticketed. If you know you were speeding, denying it may be futile.Law student and veteran speeder Stewart Rutledge reports that he has been able to escape a ticket by arranging to talk to the officer soon after the ticket had been issued. "You better have a story or some reason to motivate the officer to let you out.... The more the officer can identify with you, the more likely he is to want to show you mercy."
If the officer will not relent, it's up to the court. Be on time for your initial hearing and plead not guilty if you wish to contest the ticket. When a court date for a trial has been assigned, you may be able to secure a delay. Be certain to attend the trial; otherwise, you will be found guilty automatically. On the other hand, in many states, if the officer fails to appear, you're off the hook.
If you can't escape the ticket, the judge may be willing to reduce the fine. You might also be able to keep if off your record so that your insurance is unaffected. Ask the court clerk if an alternative penalty is possible. Keep in mind that exact procedures may vary from one jurisdiction to another.
