Below is a complete list of our traffic tips. These tips involve avoiding tickets, what to do if you are caught speeding or committing some other type of moving violation, preparing for your traffic ticket trial, and how to handle yourself when fighting your traffic ticket. Feel free to email us your traffic tip. If we like it, we will include it on this site.
How do I avoid a traffic ticket?
Tip #1: Maintain a reasonable distance behind another vehicle. Let another driver “clear” the way.
Tip #2: Drive in a pack (i.e., with a car in front of you and behind you).
Tip #3: Keep your car well maintained. Broken head lights, dangling mufflers, etc., will encourage police officers to stop you and write you up.
Tip #4: Be vigilant. If you don’t have a clear view, then be extra careful.
Tip #5: Do not pass a police officer. Seems obvious, but…
Tip #6: Don’t drive cars which attract attention (ex. high performance, bright red, etc).
Tip #7: Don’t forget about the “known” speed traps.
Tip #8: Do not enter an intersection until there is enough space beyond the far crosswalk to accommodate your car.
What do I do at conference or trial?
Tip #9: “My speedometer was broken” is not an accepted defense.
Tip #10: “I was going with the flow of traffic” defense never works.
Tip #11: The fact that you were the only one pulled over is irrelevant regardless of the number of other speeding cars around you.
Tip #12: “The officer was rude” defense does not help defeat a traffic ticket.
Tip #13: It does not matter if the officer gives you misinformation, like “this ticket carries no points.”
Tip #14: Be prepared, succinct and relevant. Judges do not appreciate rambling or redundant presentations.
Tip #15: Only ask the officer questions. Do not make statements addressed to him or her.
Tip #16: Look for and highlight any inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony. Compare his testimony to the ticket, his notes, the supporting deposition or any other evidence.
Tip #17: Look for omissions. Did the officer clearly and completely explain who, when, where, etc.?
Tip #18: Do not challenge an officer’s integrity. Say something like he or she must have a less than clear recollection.
What should I do during the car stop?
Tip #19: Be polite and responsive.
Tip #20: Don’t argue with the officer.
Tip #21: Pull over as quickly as possible and in a safe manner.
Tip #22: Do not admit to committing a traffic violation when answering the question, “Do you know why I pulled you over?”
Tip #23: While the officer is writing, you should be writing too. Record as many details as you can as it can help at trial
Tip #24: Always pull your car over as far as you can to the side of the road so the officer will not be as worried about traffic when he approaches your car [thanks to Chris W].
Tip #25: Roll down your window and keep your hands on the wheel as the officer approaches.
Tip #26: Don’t flaunt your brother’s girlfriend’s cousin’s PBA card. Simply allow the officer to see that you have one as you “look for” your license.
How should I prepare for trial?
Tip #27: Take many photos of the scene of the offense or other relevant items. Take them as soon as possible following the receiving the ticket.
Tip #28: Always make a copy of the front of your ticket. Many courts (including the TVB) will not return the original ticket if you send it to them.
Tip #29: Never wear shorts, muscle shirts, hats or cut-offs to court. How you dress can have a direct correlation to the respect that you receive.