6. Play the mistake of fact card | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket

Nobody Likes Being Pulled Over

171
How To Get Out Of A Traffic Ticket
Flickr

Let's be honest, you've mostly been pulled over once, especially if you are reading this. And god knows you never want to go through that again. Seeing those unmistakable, flashing red-and-blue lights makes anyone tremble in fear. Here are 5 tips to get out of that pesky ticket.

1. Be Respectful

This sounds obvious, but you would be surprised by how many people have an attitude or argue with an officer. Make sure you have your license out immediately, clearly answer every question the officer asks, and do not move suspiciously whatsoever. Sometimes comical, light conversations help humanize you, making it increasingly difficult for some officers to give you a ticket.

2. Don't try to flirt or bribe your way out 

Despite it seeming like many police officers are corrupt, very few are. They will not fall for blatant attempts at flirting or bribes. This will only encourage them to give you a ticket as it questions their integrity; therefore, is insulting.

3. Play the sad card 

Hysterically crying and hyperventilating while yelling at yourself really shows an officer how shitty of a day you might be having. Sometimes officers will pity you. This a huge advantage as it makes an officer feel like a huge asshole in making your life worse.

4. Know the law

Few people know their actual rights. Call the prosecutor that is going to present the case against you to the judge to request a pretrial conference to negotiate. Additionally, you can prove that what you got a ticket for was legally justified in the context of the situation you were in. This helps your case as your now raising a legal point instead of implying the ticketing officer was wrong.

5. Never openly confess 

Confessing to an officer that you were speeding or doing anything illegally forces them to give you a ticket. Acknowledging your guilt makes it almost impossible to prove you were innocent. You can't take back words.

6. Play the mistake of fact card

The phase "Mistake of fact" refers to an error made due to circumstances beyond one's control. Tickets can easily be dismissed if it is deemed such. For example, you could argue that you did not stop at a stop sign because something like a fallen tree obliviated your view of it.

7. Don't pay the ticket right away 

Paying immediately shows voluntary admittance of guilt, eliminating any chance of you getting out of the ticket or possibly reduced. One usually has 90 days to plead guilty or innocent; and therefore, pay. You have plenty of time to figure out an alternative solution. Plus, often times people who attend court get their fine reduced.

Getting pulled over always feels like the end of the world. However, these tricks will at least help you get out of paying that pricey fine.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

How The Holidays Have Changed

It all started when we learned the truth about Santa.

1492
best wishes for Christmas
Pinterest

It is no secret that many American traditions have changed over time. As we grow older we change in so many ways that it only makes sense that we also change the way we celebrate special occasions. Of course when it comes to the holidays there are some family traditions that many of us still excitedly look forward to, whether it is eating your favorite dish or seeing favorite cousin. However, we all know that the holidays have overall changed a little from what they used to be.

Keep Reading...Show less
theatre cast

Everyone who has done musicals knows that once you go there you can never go back. It's like a virus. It never leaves and you find yourself attracted to all types of theater things. You're drawn to it like a moth to a flame. There are certain things you know to be true, whether you did a musical once or have done them your entire life.

Keep Reading...Show less
couple winter
Pexels

When you come home over Christmas break, it's hard to find fun in your hometown. During the winter, it's hard to find the motivation to go out and find things to do. However, there are plenty of fun things to do in almost any town, and there are tons of fun date ideas that aren't taken advantage of. Here are nine fun winter dates to go on.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Socks  Fireplace
Wesley Tingey

Christmas is arguably one of the most popular holidays of the year. Whether you think Christmas celebrations should be strictly reserved for December, or you're setting up your tree and lights on November 1st, Christmas time is the best time. Filling an entire month with Christmas activities seems like it could be impossible, but I am here to fix that for you. Here are twenty-five of the best things to do in the twenty-five days leading up to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
smiling girl in pink and white stripe shirt

I'll never forget the day that someone told me these words: "Madison, I think you're a good friend to everyone but yourself." I stood there completely in awe of that statement. Before that day, I never really thought about being a friend to myself, and at the time, I didn't really know what it meant. Now, I realize that you can't fully be there for other people unless you're there for yourself, too. You can't show up for others until you're willing to show up for yourself.

Here are five things everyone should learn in order to be a better friend to themselves. These steps are hard, but they're so worth it.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments