Avoid Getting a Speeding Ticket
The life of a driver, especially in an area as populated as Phoenix, is obviously loaded with potential obstacles. You’ll run into construction, detours and bottlenecked traffic on a near-daily basis. However, probably the most unenjoyable of all traffic delays is getting a speeding ticket. They’re expensive, they adversely affect your insurance rates and they’re just inconvenient. But did you know that there are ways to avoid getting a ticket after you’ve been pulled over? Here are four helpful tips to hopefully avoid getting a speeding ticket. And you didn’t hear this from us!
Do your best to allay any fears the officer might have about you. When an officer pulls you over, it’s best to remember that this is an interaction that no one particularly enjoys. So, right off the bat, try to lessen the level inconvenience immediately. Pull over your car all the way off of the road, and roll your window all the way down. If it’s dark out, turn on your domelight, and put your hands on the steering wheel where they can be plainly seen.
Don’t admit wrongdoing. “Do you know why I pulled you over today?” Almost all stops begin with this exact same question. When asked, don’t go pouring your heart out like Jim Carrey in Liar, Liar. Just say, “Sorry, Officer, I don’t.” If you say you were speeding or running stoplights, then you’re probably getting a ticket.
Do as your told, and nothing else. Don’t reach for your license and registration until you’re asked, because you never know, you might not ever be asked for them at all. If you are asked, state what you’ll be doing–”I need to reach into my glovebox to grab those, okay?”–so that they know that you’re not doing anything they should be suspicious.
Don’t talk or move too much. Again, you’re trying to make the officer feel as though you’re respecting his or her authority, and that it’s worth giving you another chance to slow down in the future. So don’t go jabbering on about your uncle who’s an FBI agent or how your favorite movie is Beverly Hills Cop. They don’t care. Also, don’t mess with your cellphone or your radio; this doesn’t send the impression that you’re being respectful.
Obviously, the only way to always avoid a speeding ticket is–Duh.–don’t speed. However, showing a little deference to the officer who pulled you over might help them to see you as a person who won’t speed in the future. We hope these tips help, and that you’ll come see us soon at Avondale Nissan! Safe travels!
