How often do you receive a traffic ticket? One a year? Once every two years? For me, I’ve had a perfect record for the past 7 years. I’ve been pulled over a few times but I’ve never received any points or fines. Not only did I save money by not having to pay any fines, I saved money in my auto insurance for not carrying any points. So it really does pay to be safe and careful driver.
The last 4 times I was pulled over, over the course of perhaps 7 years, I was given a warning. No tickets, no fines, and no points. It was great! How did I do it? I’m not quite sure, probably mostly good luck. The best way to avoid a speeding ticket is, well, not speeding. But when you do and find yourself in the unfortunate situation, it’s good to know ways to maximize your chances of not receiving the fine. Here’s my attempt to summarize what happened in each of those times.
Situation 1
I was with a group of friends after a night of a few drinks. It was 1 am and I was making a left turn on an intersection with flashing red light and cut-off the cop from the oncoming lane.
cop: What the HELL are you doing???
me: I’m sorry sir, I didn’t…
cop: You realize you not only did not stop at the flashing light but also succeeded to cut me off!
me: I’m sorry sir, I didn’t…
cop: It smells like a BREWERY in here! Have you been drinking?!?!!
me: Uh, only a couple drinks.
friend: Officer, it’s me! I’ve been drinking!!
cop: Where are you going?
me: We’re headed home sir.
cop: If I wasn’t so busy tonight, I’d make you do a sobriety test! You got lucky!
me: Ok.
cop: Drive careful!
me: Thank you sir.
Situation 2
I had bought my house and the builders were in process of breaking ground. I was driving by scoping out the neighborhood.
cop: You were going 47 on 35. The reason we’re being so strict is because of the new school that was built. They want us to be extra protective of aggressive drivers.
me: Oh ok. Yeah, I know about the school. I just bought my house here and I was just scoping out the neighborhood.
cop: Really? Where is it?
me: It’s over there (me pointing my finger).
cop: Oh you’re good then. This neighborhood is really nice. That neighborhood (him pointing his finger) is more dangerous. It’s section 8. You want to stay away from there. But you’re good here. It’s a good location.
me: Really? hmm…
cop: Can I see your license and registration?
me: Ok.
cop: (After coming back) I’m gonna give you a warning. I don’t want to mess your perfect driving record up because of this.
me: Thank you sir. Have a good day!
Situation 3
I was driving 52 on 40. I saw the cop in the corner but it was too late.
cop: You were going 52. the speed limit is 40 here. License and registration.
me: (I give him my license and registration)
me (talking to my friend): Man, he doesn’t seem like a friendly cop. He’s gonna give me a ticket.
friend: You’re SO getting a ticket!
me (talking to my friend): Yeah..sigh…
friend: Yeah, you have NO chance.
cop: It’s a warning. Have a nice day.
me: Thank you sir!!
me (talking to my friend): WHOA!
friend: WHOA!
Situation 4
I was driving home from work as usual.
cop: Are you TRYING to receive a citation tonight???
me: Uh..uh, umm..
cop: I think you are ‘cuz you’re doing everything right to get one!!
me: Uh..umm…umm..
cop: First you drive right past me. I was doing 62 and you zipped right by me. I was on lane 1, you were on 3. Yeah, you zipped right by me. Then you drive way too close to the car in front of you.
me: Oh..umm…I really don’t have an excuse.
cop: Are you in a hurry? Where are you going?
me: No sir, I’m just going home from work.
cop: You know this is the worst time of day to be speeding. You’ve been stuck at work all day and you’re a bit tired and drained, making you not 100% to be driving. Am I right?
me: Yes sir. You’re absolutely correct.
cop: Let me see your license.
cop: Odenton, you still got a bit of a drive to go. How do you say your last name?
me: Jung, J-U-N-G.
cop: I’m gonna give you a warning. Drive slower and more carefully!
me: Thank you sir, I really appreciate it.
me: I REALLY appreciate it.
So as you can see, I’ve gotten very lucky in each of these occasions. It’s not by skill or talent, it was just pure luck. But I did notice a few similarities in each of these situations. So, here are my advice of how not to get a ticket when pulled over:
- Play dumb.
- Less you talk the better. Don’t give excuses.
- When asked a question, be very honest and look really sorry. Again, don’t give excuses.
- Hope for the best.
How do you get out of your ticket?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I have gotten out of a ticket once as well. It was in Florida. I did the same, play dumb, be super-respectful and stay quiet. I told the officer I had slowed down the entire section where the speed limit went down and that I saw the straight away and the road opening up and thought it went back to normal speed again. He came back to my car and gave me a with a warning. I have heard from two female friends that crying and double-Ds help too. But I won’t be trying either of those any time soon.
James Fowlkes recently posted..How to Help Your Loved Ones After You’re Gone
James, I think you got it right. Being honest really is the best way to go. Cops appreciate that. I bet they hear so many crazy excuse lines that they’re probably just sick of it.
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