Maybe you slept in and you’re in a rush to get to work. Maybe you’re speeding because you’re late for a meeting. Or perhaps you just lost track of how fast you’re driving. Whatever the cause, you realize you’re in trouble the moment you see flashing lights behind you.
Regardless of why you’re pulled over for speeding, it’s critical that you take the right steps during the stop to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Pull over immediately: Once you see the lights in your rearview mirror, put on your hazard lights and find a safe place to park your vehicle. This shows the officer that you’re acknowledging them and not attempting to get away.
- Don’t admit to anything: No matter what the officer says to you, don’t admit that you were speeding. Don’t say something like “I was only driving a few miles per hour over the speed limit.” Admitting guilt will work against you should you decide to contest your ticket in court.
- Remain respectful: There’s nothing you can actually do to escape without a ticket. However, if you’re disrespectful, there’s less chance that the officer will let you off the hook with just a warning. Remain respectful and friendly at all times.
By taking these basic steps if you’re pulled over for speeding, you at least put yourself in a position to possibly avoid a citation.
If the officer does issue a ticket, take it home and review it in great detail. This will help you decide if it makes sense to fight it in traffic court. Should you go down this path, learn more about the many legal defense strategies you can use to your advantage.