How To Change A Potential Speeding Ticket Into Just A Warning

Written by Lynnette on September 13, 2006 | Comments (3)

At this point, I'd call Jim "an expert" on this topic.

And if you're looking for someone who's qualified to dish out advice about dodging speeding tickets, it would be Jim.

Here is Jim's advice for getting out of a speeding ticket...

5 Tips For Avoiding Speeding Tickets:

Here's how to increase your odds of getting a "warning" rather than a ticket... advice from a guy who's gotten a lot of "warnings" for speeding!

TIP #1 Pull over right away, don't try to act like you don't see them.

TIP #2 Have your license & registration ready -- before they even get to your window.

TIP #3 When they ask if you know why they pulled you over, acknowledge the speed limit in some way -- honestly -- even if you were going over it.

Actual lines Jim has used:

"I thought it was 65 through here." (Actual speed limit was 65)

"I know it's 55 through here, but I'd just passed that car behind me that was going even slower than 55."

"She [wife in passenger seat] said it's only 40 through here, but I thought it was 55." (Actual speed limit was 55)

TIP #4 Never end with a question.

Jim added this once & it failed miserably:

"Okay, but are you sure you got the right guy? All three of us [cars] were keeping the same pace together... Are you sure you didn't clock the guy in front of me?"

TIP #5 When the officer clarifies exactly what he pulled you over for and says precisely how fast you were going, don't dispute it.

Jim's advice? Simply say:

"...oh, okay. I didn't realize I was going that fast."

In Jim's experience, the cops seem to genuinely appreciate it when you're honest with them, you don't try to question their authority, and you're willing to pay the price.

On the other hand, cops are probably a little more eager to write actual tickets for those who feel they were wronged, cheated, mistakenly pulled over, have an attitude, or all of the above.

The fact remains, whenever Jim has followed TIPS #1 through #5 above, he's always gotten off with a warning, instead of a speeding ticket.

Try it, you just might save yourself some cash... some points... and some headaches!

Lynnette's Bonus Tip #6

If you're from out of town, or if you just look like you're not from the area (just passing through, or only a short-term visitor), you may be more likely to get out of a ticket.

I call this "the sympathy factor".

You know... "they're probably not familiar with the roads around here" kind of thing.

Two (of the many times) that I've been in the car when Jim was pulled over for speeding, we were driving in areas we were unfamiliar with. So we happened to have maps and printed directions spread out all over the front & back seats -- along with plenty of other touristy stuff I'm sure.

Both of those times, the cop looked inside our car windows, ran our license, checked our registration, and let us go.

(...Now any time I see the flashing lights come on, I always pull out the map & act like we're exploring new territory!)

Jim's Closing Thoughts...

All in all, I would say that there are no sure ways to get out of a traffic ticket, except slowing down and driving the speed limit.

In my last 200,000 miles of driving I have received 3 speeding tickets, and probably twice that in warnings. Luck of the draw on the warnings? Probably so. If a cop is working a speed trap... you're getting a ticket, there's simply not much you can do. However, if you just happen to get caught by a passing officer, your chances of getting out of a ticket are a lot higher -- if you just use a little politeness and common sense. (I wanted to say honesty - but that would mean telling the officer "Yeah, I know why you pulled me over... I was going way over the speed limit. Sorry about that.")

Jim and Destin going for a ride in the Jeep.

Here's a whole collection of fun tips from Jim on the topic of driving fast, getting stopped for speeding, and avoiding speeding tickets:

How To Get Your Ticket Price & Points Lowered

Lynnette Got A Traffic Ticket On Thanksgiving Day

There's A Lesson Here Somewhere...

Police Humor: Do Not Park On The Street

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3 Comments

Jon said:

#1. Pull over immediately. If you're on the freeway pull over to the right so far that your driver's side tires are in the grass.

#2. Have your papers ready, your interior light on (if it's dark out, turn on your hazard lights and place your hands on the steering wheel.

#3. This is the most important step. When the officer walks up the first words out of your mouth should be "Did I pull over far enough for you, do you have room?" This will immediately make the cop relax a little because you are showing concern for his safety. Remember, he doesn't know if you're speeding because you're running a bit late, or because you just robbed a bank.

#4. If you were speeding, and you know it, just apologize. Yeah, well, ok, so you don't want to admit guilt, fine. But in my VAST experience being caught speeding at 20-25MPH over the limit just saying "Ok, you got me, I'm sorry and I'll slow it down." will get you let off with a warning or a "token" ticket of 5MPH over the limit which usually has a low fine and no points.

Remember, make the cop feel safe by keeping your hands in plain sight, your car illuminated and asking him if he has enough shoulder room to do his job, and just be honest. These guys have heard EVERY EXCUSE on the planet, and they've already heard most of them TODAY. What they very rarely hear is someone taking responsibility for breaking the rules. It's both refreshing and appreciated by the vast majority of cops I've dealt with.

January 16, 2007 9:19 AM | Reply to this Comment

Jim said:

Of course results may vary.

Mr. Charming? That's a good way to say full of bull isn't it? :)

September 13, 2006 9:14 PM | Reply to this Comment

Suzie said:

Great, but you forgot to mention that Jim is Mr. Charming and could talk his way out of a paper bag! What about us regular folk? :)

September 13, 2006 4:06 PM | Reply to this Comment