the stupidity has begun already

[Zazu]

(and being polite to law enforcement, if encountered, goes a long way too!)

True dat! I once avoided a citation for nearly driving over a traffic cop because I displayed the right attitude.

[SWTexasBelle]

My brother is a police officer - traffic stops are second only to domestic violence in causing cops to be wary. You just never know what you will face. So - pull over as soon as you can safely do so, and as far over as you can. Keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them (turn on the overhead light if it is dark). Tell the officer you are going to get your papers from your purse, or your glovebox, so he/she knows what you are doing. If you think the ticket is bogus, save it for the judge. Arguing with the officer is not going to help!

I too got out of a ticket because the officer said he was so glad to have someone who didn't cuss him out, verbally spar, or be a pain.

[Randy B]

True dat! I once avoided a citation for nearly driving over a traffic cop because I displayed the right attitude.

CM training (or potential depending on when this encounter happened) strikes again. A smile and apparent calm in the face of extreme provocation can go a long way, anywhere.

Randy

[hobie16]

A friend who's a psychologist takes to extremes. Before the cop can say a word he'll say he did whatever he was stopped for and deserves to be thrown in jail. He'll stay with that line and eventually be told he's getting a warning and let off. It works every time.

If you do get pulled over and the cop asks, "Do you know how fast you were going?" just say yes. Otherwise they'll write driver didn't know their speed in their notes and use it against you in court if you fight the ticket. Don't tell him/her how fast you were going.

Also, if you do go to court, ask to see the judge's copy of the cite. If there's any marking on that copy that don't appear on yours, ask the judge what they mean. Some areas have a "secret" code between cops and judges.