Five Things That May Help You Get A Warning Rather Than A Traffic Ticket

If you’re stopped for speeding, you may be given a warning instead of a ticket. Can you increase the chances of that happening? Here’s what might help. 

1. Be Polite 

No one likes to be pulled over, but a bad attitude isn’t going to put the officer on your good side. Be polite to the officer and use a low, calm tone of voice. 

2. Do Not Admit to Speeding                               

Usually, the officer who pulled you over will ask if you know why they did
it. Do not admit to speeding or any other driving violation. You may be
tempted to say, “I was just going a little bit faster than the speed limit,”
but this essentially hands the officer your case on a silver platter. Instead,
tell the officer you don’t know.

You truly don’t — even if you were speeding, the officer may have pulled you over for a broken taillight or for another reason. Let the officer tell you why they stopped your vehicle. 

3. Have Your Driver’s License and Insurance Card Ready 

Police officers stop cars for traffic violations all day, and few enjoy standing on the side of a busy road while you hunt for your ID and proof of insurance. Secure these items in a safe and easily accessible place in your vehicle in case you do get stopped. Let the police officer know where the items are located and ask for permission to retrieve them from that location when the officer asks you to produce them. 

4. Ask 

There’s no harm in simply asking the officer to give you a break, especially if you’re not a habitual offender. The worst that the officer will do is say no and write you a ticket anyway, which was likely to happen anyway. If you’re truly running late or dealing with an emergency, let the officer know, but don’t expect them to have an emotional response. Remain calm, even if the officer does not seem to mind that you’re having a difficult time. 

Got a Speeding Ticket? You Need an Atlanta Traffic Ticket Lawyer 

If you were stopped for speeding and given a ticket in spite of your best efforts to be let off with a warning, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible. If you simply pay the ticket, this is considered entering a “guilty” plea, which will assess points to your license. If you accumulate too many points within a certain period of time, you’re at risk of losing your driving privileges.  

Contact me today for a consultation to learn more about fighting a speeding ticket by calling (770) 349-9219.