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6 Tricks to Avoiding Speeding Tickets

Know what to do to get out of an expensive ticket.

from Forbidden Advice (Reader's Digest Association Books)
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1. Understand that your car says a lot about you

Most officers decide whether you're getting a ticket or a warning before they even approach your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to keep your car maintained in such a way that you wouldn't be embarrassed to drive it to a job interview. Keep it clean, decluttered, and free of bumper stickers that are anti-police or pro-violence. Forgo aftermarket add-ons like spoilers, tinted windows, and neon undercarriage lights. You want to say "I'm responsible and law-abiding," not "I hate the police, I speed all the time, and I'm trying to hide something from you."

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2. Wave at the hidden police cruiser

So you were driving down the road a little faster than you should have been, and you spot a police cruiser lurking behind some shrubbery. One former police officer says that the smartest thing that you can do right then is to wave at the officer. Why? He will either think that you know each other and wave back, or will think that you're acknowledging that you were driving too fast, and are letting him know that you're slowing down. Either way, you drastically reduce your chance of getting a ticket.

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3. Never admit that you were speeding

If you do get pulled over, says one former police officer, never acknowledge that you were, in fact, speeding. You don't want to give the police any ammunition to use against you, should you contest your ticket in traffic court. When the officer tells you that you are speeding, giving a brief, noncommittal response like, "I see" or "I was not aware of my speed" is the way to go. (Asking sarcastic questions like, "What's the problem, Officer?" won't help your case!) Secret sources who have dodged more than one speeding ticket in their lives also advise that you just get through the meeting with the police as quickly and politely as you possibly can. You don't want them to remember anything about you, except that you were nice and did what you were told. Why? Read on.

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4. Plead not guilty, and defer your court date as often as you can

The more time you put between your speeding encounter and your court date, the better, advise some ticket dodgers we know. Imagine how many people an officer pulls over in a month. How many of them do you think he'll remember two or even six months from now, especially if you take your ticket quietly and move on? The more continuances you can reasonably request, the more time you have to collect your evidence and prepare your defense — and the less specific that officer's recollection of you will be. Getting a continuance also increases the probability that the ticketing officer retires, transfers to another department, or just doesn't show up for your court date. In almost all of these extenuating situations, the case against you will be dropped.

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5. Know the tactics that can get your ticket dismissed

There are dozens of ways to have your traffic violations reduced or dismissed — opportunities vary from region to region, so check to see if these apply in your state or province. Here is just a sampling: • The issuing officer does not show for your court date. • Two officers were in the patrol car when you received your ticket, and only one shows for the court date. In many jurisdictions, both need to be present to recount their testimony firsthand. • A factual error on the ticket itself (your license plate number, name, date, or other inarguable fact is incorrect) may get you off the hook. • There is no correct speed limit sign posted within a reasonable distance of where you were pulled over (in the U.S. this distance varies by state, but is usually about 1/4 mile).

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6. Secret Weapon: POI Software

For those who have GPS navigation systems in their cars, here's an added bonus: You can download additional Points-of-Interest (POI) software onto your gizmo that will tell you when you're approaching stoplights that are hooked up to traffic cameras. You'll find links to this software on the GPS manufacturers' home pages.

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Your Comments

  • Bob

    My comment to all is, “don’t speed.”

    • Red Dwarf

      Your answer is no good. It makes “too much” sense.

      • Reddwarf

        Amen to that!

      • Reddwarf

        Amen to that!

      • Reddwarf

        Amen to that!

    • ctcsme

      Don’t do more then 10 mph higher on interstates and  5 mph on all other roads.  

  • Mike

    “I was not aware of my speed” can be used against you just as well as admitting you were speeding.

    • Mary

      Exactly.  It’s called inattentive driving.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-Olliver/100000932928120 Rachel Olliver

    I have had a couple speeding tickets, and I paid them both promptly.  I knew I was in the wrong while I was doing it, and my morals demand that if I purposefully do something wrong then I have to pay the price (literally) when I get caught.  It hurts to lose the money, but it teaches me to pay attention and obey the law.  The best way to avoid speeding tickets is to obey the speed limit!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rachel-Olliver/100000932928120 Rachel Olliver

    I have had a couple speeding tickets, and I paid them both promptly.  I knew I was in the wrong while I was doing it, and my morals demand that if I purposefully do something wrong then I have to pay the price (literally) when I get caught.  It hurts to lose the money, but it teaches me to pay attention and obey the law.  The best way to avoid speeding tickets is to obey the speed limit!

    • Harvey Plodnik

      Paying tickets ”promptly” is a voluntary admission of guilt that accepts all the allegations of the arresting officer – as stated without contest - and prempts any other possible legal finding in your favor. You have nothing to lose by going to court and requiring the arresting officer to: 1. show up at the date time specified, and 2. prove his/her case before a presumably impartial judge – within the letter of the Law, to his/her satisfaction. While it is admirable that you have such high personal moral standards, know that we live in an imperfect world where people and equipment are fallible and/or corruptable and can be in error. Show up in court and require the law enforcement/justice system – which we all pay for – to play out to the satisfaction of a judge - who can also consider other such factors as: 1. the dismissal of the case outright due to inaccuracies, factual errors etc.; or 2. mitigating factors or circumstances persuading him/her that a lesser “non-moving” violation is a more appropriate punishment  (e.g. good driving record, faulty equipment etc.) In either case, you will not be pre-maturely “admitting” your guilt by ”promptly” paying your ticket and automatically damaging your own permanant driving record for the next several years. If however, paying some financial penalty makes you feel duly punished and spiritually cleansed, then take comfort in the fact that - absent a complete dismissal – you will still have to pay court costs and probably a driving school course fee. But, if your need for absolute justice is still left wanting, then consider offering the ‘unpaid’ balance of your self imposed Karmic debt to a worthy cause more appreciative of your contributions.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

    • Mcgcolin

      I know that municipalities are seeking more revenue to support growing deficits and bend the law to their advantage. I was recently pulled over for running a red light which was in fact yellow on a left hand turn lane. The cop cut me a “break” by only writing a failure to yield issued and the running of the light as a box checked “warning.” When I contested my ticket, the magistrate warned me that if I plead not guilty and it elevated to traffic court I risk the penalty of running a red light if found guilty, not the failure to yield infraction. He was basically like eat this $165 “break” or your gonna pay $300+ and get poinys on your MI license. DISPICABLE, holding me over the coals and giving me a questionable ticket.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Randy

    Articles like this tick me off. The way to “avoid” a speeding ticket is to not exceed the speed limit. Everything else is just trying to circumvent the law. That says a lot about character.

  • Hillboy197344

    ppl should make their cars look the way they want, should not affect the law. They play on their phones & computers in their cars also, all over the road. They can we can’t???? They are suppose to be setting examples for our young drivers. I thought.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_47E7CZ6OCXX3BODKIAVMOAKG7E Joe

      i especially loved the ticket i got for no seat belt… and the irony wasn’t lost on me… that s.o.b. was on a motorcycle and not wearing a helmet, but hey… he *must* be safer than me, after all, i’m only in a freaking car…

      people will continue to have no respect for officers that always seem to be saying, “Do what I say, not what I do”

      • http://www.facebook.com/dean.cook.161 Dean Cook

        Right because motorcycle cops always ride without helmets…. And you never judge anyone by their appearance.

    • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_47E7CZ6OCXX3BODKIAVMOAKG7E Joe

      i especially loved the ticket i got for no seat belt… and the irony wasn’t lost on me… that s.o.b. was on a motorcycle and not wearing a helmet, but hey… he *must* be safer than me, after all, i’m only in a freaking car…

      people will continue to have no respect for officers that always seem to be saying, “Do what I say, not what I do”

  • dkw108

    If I were still driving, I suppose that I, also would enjoy using these helpful hints about how to circumvent the legal system for my own benefit.   Perhaps, some thought might be given to not speeding at all.   This is a sad commentary of how far (or not) we have evolved as a society and the values and paradigms we are willing to bend, alter, or break to suit our own selfish interests.  

  • dkw108

    If I were still driving, I suppose that I, also would enjoy using these helpful hints about how to circumvent the legal system for my own benefit.   Perhaps, some thought might be given to not speeding at all.   This is a sad commentary of how far (or not) we have evolved as a society and the values and paradigms we are willing to bend, alter, or break to suit our own selfish interests.  

  • Motorman357

    This is the biggest load of pooh that I have read in a long time.  I speak from 31 years of experience, 15 yrs. on motorcycle/traffic detail.  Whom ever those source officers were that contributed to this story are the sort of officers you would not want to deal with.  It seems that they make up their mind on who or what you say.  A State Trooper at my academy stated that the violation gets the citation, not the person, so don’t make it personal.  Best advice is DON’T SPEED.  I would also add, YOUR VEHICLE IS NOT A TIME MACHINE, if you start late, you’re going to be late.

    • Anonymous

      Unless you speed.  Then you make up time.  The faster you go, the faster you get there. 

      It’s like you cops, speeding over the limit, blowing by everyone, so you can get ahead, pull over, and ticket those of us just approaching.

      Speed limits are artificial limits imposed so that 10% of drivers will speed.  Doesn’t seem right to me.

      • http://www.facebook.com/dean.cook.161 Dean Cook

        Now we see why you received the ticket….

        • testy1

          What ticket? No ticket here. I’m on to their games.

  • Luckyike

    a couple of other moves: have your license in hand when the officer walks up. Greet the officer with ‘hello officer’ ! sit quietly while he/she checks your ID. if they ask a question be sure to follow the reply with ‘sir’ .. have an attitude like the officer is always right … you can argue in traffic court later if you think you are right … I have been driving for about 60 years and have only one speeding ticket .. I shouldn’t have gotten that one but there where about 10 or 15 warnings I did get that I should have had a ticket so I paid that one without a complaint …

    • Anonymous

       Being polite doesn’t work.  Been there, done that.

      • http://www.facebook.com/dean.cook.161 Dean Cook

        With a name like testy1 you may not have been very good at it…lol

  • TonyS

    Here are some tips that have kept me “ticketless” over the past 23 years of driving:

    1) Never exceed the speed limit by more than 10% (70 limit, don’t go over 77/78 mph)

    2) Use speeders to your advantage (Follow behind a car or cars going your speed or faster)

    3) Support your local police group & place their sticker on your car’s rear window.  Police appreciate this and may grant you favor when deciding to give you a ticket.

    4) Be nice to the officer who pulled you over.  He/She is just doing his/her job and keeping roads safe.

    5) Give a valid reason why you “may” have been speeding. “I’m sorry, I was talking to my passenger and didn’t realize that I was going that fast.”

    6) Ask them if they could give you a warning this one time.  “Sir/Maam, as you can see from my record, I don’t get speeding tickets often as I try to obey the rules.  This was one time that I made a mistake.  Could you please let me get by with a warning?  I promise that this was a rare event for me.”  The worst thing they can say is, “no.”

  • 3175551212

    I shared a room with an MP during my enlistment, and he suggested turning on the interior light at night so that the officer can see the car interior in addition to keeping both hands on the wheel unless told to do otherwise, as well as asking permission before opening a glove box or reaching under a seat so that you aren’t misinterpreted as reaching or a weapon.

  • Tonymcdonald

    I spent 11 years as a motorcycle officer and I wrote nearly 25,000 tickets. Those who said “I know I was speeding, I’m sorry” were least likely to get charged. They come across as honest. It is difficult to get more than 1 postponement in court. The officer has complete notes on the back of his copy and he can testify accurately even years later. Waving at the officer is a bit like closing the door after the horse is out, you’ve been caught! Best bet, be polite, do as instructed, don’t argue,ask for a warning, sign the ticket and say thank you then plead guilty with an explanatin in court. If the officer is not present in court, never plead guilty. Best of all, don’t speed.

  • john doe

    doesn’t matter what you have on your car they have to have probable cause to stop you.not just because they feel like it.

  • john doe

    doesn’t matter what you have on your car they have to have probable cause to stop you.not just because they feel like it.

  • http://twitter.com/SBinF Lawrence

    #4 not true….I got a speeding ticket in spring 2008. I was not given a court date until spring 2011. Awfully long time….but they still held the trial and found me guilty. Can the cop really remember back that far?

  • Red Dwarf

    A 3 year wait….wow!

    If the policeman is worth his salt he will take notes with every citation.

    These will obviously aid his memory when the time comes.

    How come you didn’t opt for traffic school?

  • John M New York

    I have a novel and unique way of not getting speeding tickets ! Pay attention to what you are doing while driving and don’t speed

  • Qq4lbfm

    I was told by a CHP years ago that you never, ever, admit that you “didn’t realize you were going that fast” is a clear admission in court that you were speeding.  Wouldn’t it be better to say that you do know how fast you were driving and then tell the officer “I was going at X mph and had my cruise control set at that speed for the past X miles”.  Then, when you get to court repeat your speed and your justification for it.  Of course you’ll never admit to going over the speed limit or faster than the flow of traffic.

  • Anonymous

    After 60 years of driving, and I am still driving, the best and the easiest thing you can do is drive with the traffic. If they are doing 70 in a 55 zone you will not be stopped unless you are the first car and way out in front. Stay with the bunch and you will be just fine. the ones that get stopped are the guys in a hurry and zipping in and out to be out front. I guess they want the officer to see them first, a really dumb approach, and they usually do.

  • James Snow

    Was pulled over by a Florida state trooper because he thought my back tinted windows were to
    dark and my radar detector was to low on the windshield. My plates were from Texas so I expect he hoping i was transporting drugs.  Wasnt speeding so the :Asshole in a Hat: let me go with a warning.     

  • http://www.facebook.com/melanie.g.curtis Melanie Gallien Curtis

    Ummmm, don’t speed?

  • MB

    Sometimes if you encounter an officer having a bad day, they are going to give you a bad day. It’s your word against theirs. I got a ticket for doing absolutely nothing wrong. He said I was tailgating when there wasn’t even anyone in front of me for a good 5 car lengths. I was polite and had everything ready. He was being arrogant, mean, told me to have a nice day and that I don’t have a perfect driving record any more. I now think every cop acts like that. I will always be respectful, you have too or you will get in trouble, but I don’t like cops.

  • Wangofango

    The stupidest suggestion is the one that suggests getting software that will tell you if there’s a
    camera posted on the traffic signal light. What difference would knowing that be to a driver?
    Are telling a driver it’s okay to blow through an intersection if he knows there’s no camera there?
    If there IS a camera there and they’ve run the intersection, they’ll find out soon enough. If there’s
    no camera there and they blow through, they’ll be lucky to avoid an accident. And stupid if they
    speed through the yellow or red-light intersection, software or not. Like Bob says, “don’t speed.”

  • Jansonce

    The most important one and easiest to do – DO NOT SPEED!

  • mackjaz

    A disappointingly unethical article for “America’s Magazine”.  

    How about an article called “How to beat a manslaughter rap after you killed a little kid because you were speeding.”

  • 6969

    Just tell him you were not speeding the car was, you were just along for the ride.

  • Anonymous

    Rachel Olliver said:

    “I
    have had a couple speeding tickets, and I paid them both promptly.  I
    knew I was in the wrong while I was doing it, and my morals demand that
    if I purposefully do something wrong then I have to pay the price
    (literally) when I get caught.  It hurts to lose the money, but it
    teaches me to pay attention and obey the law.  The best way to avoid
    speeding tickets is to obey the speed limit!”Bless you for speaking out for those humans with a tad more character than a titmouse.The ugliest aspect of this article is that it stresses lying, rather than just telling the truth.Just what we need on the streets – more self-absorbed egomaniacs with an attitude.

     

    • Anonymous

       ”I did not have sex with that woman… Ms. LewinskI”  We’ve got brainiacs to live up to.

  • Vincent1952

    Does anyone get that the SAME article first says,
    ” never acknowledge that you were, in fact, speeding”
    And then says,
    “giving a brief, noncommittal response like, “I see” or “I was not aware of my speed” is the way to go.”

  • Lostdog302

    I worked traffic in Ga. for 38 years. Yeah, try these suggestions and let me know how far they got you.

  • Catchristensen22

    I got an easier tip to remember. Just 1: DON’T SPEED!

  • ME

    horrible advice – this coming from a traffic cop.  None of these will help you.

  • Terptime

    I see speeding tickets as a tax to drive fast. Budget for them and be prepared to pay for them if you speed and get caught.

  • guest

    here is the trick DONT SPEED!!!! geez people are so dumb these days and cannot slow down.

  • Johnmsmith

    Discouraging that a publication like Reader’s Digest posts an article to help you avoid being punished after you break the law!

  • charred

    last but not least,stay out of Byron Ga .they use tactics like hiding in blind curves 50 feet past the reduced speed limit signs on the out skirt of town,if you are not from there you will never get your speed down in time,,,then”jack”you get burned.and many others,not illegal, but nasty.i ll never spend another dime there to support that town.

  • tom

    Don’t speed is exactly what you should do. Up here in WI we have twice as many accidents from speeding than drunk driving and twice as many injury related accidents from speeding than drunk driving. Speeding is worse than driving drunk. Think about it. You choose to do one with a clear head.

  • tom

    Don’t speed is exactly what you should do. Up here in WI we have twice as many accidents from speeding than drunk driving and twice as many injury related accidents from speeding than drunk driving. Speeding is worse than driving drunk. Think about it. You choose to do one with a clear head.

  • tom

    Don’t speed is exactly what you should do. Up here in WI we have twice as many accidents from speeding than drunk driving and twice as many injury related accidents from speeding than drunk driving. Speeding is worse than driving drunk. Think about it. You choose to do one with a clear head.

  • Harce

    I always try to obey the rules (must of the times), if I don’t, is really because I am unaware of it.  But I confessed that I hate policemen!  They can be so unfair some times.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tec-Sg-Beatty/100003397673038 Tec Sg Beatty

    Another tactic that I have found that works very well is to research the Principles of Radar. I spent 2 decades in the Air Force; most of that was as a radar Master Technician AND Master Instructor of Avionics Systems. I have a degree in this field, and if you know what you’re talking about, and can relate this in laymen’s terms to a Court, you can quite easily overcome the accepted legal standard of “reasonable doubt”. I have successfully defended myself several times against unjust citations. On the other hand, if I was guilty, I admitted as much and paid the fine.

    By far, the BEST tactic is OBEY THE LAW.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Tec-Sg-Beatty/100003397673038 Tec Sg Beatty

    One other thingI didn’t mention: radar guns and lasers are merely machines, and in most circumstances ARE NOT ENTIRELY ACCURATE UNDER TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. As a matter of fact, their own “accuracy” can quite easily be used to show that they are inaccurate in many instances and for many reasons.

    A little knowledge is a dangerous thing; A LOT of knowledge is a lot of fun.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steven-Ungles/100000297349718 Steven Ungles

    Unfortunately, speeding tickets are used to generate revenue for the cities and state. They will not tell you that, they will say that it is all about “traffic safety.” That is somewhat true, but it takes a backseat to making money.

    P.S. I am in no way condoning speeding.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steven-Ungles/100000297349718 Steven Ungles

    Unfortunately, speeding tickets are used to generate revenue for the cities and state. They will not tell you that, they will say that it is all about “traffic safety.” That is somewhat true, but it takes a backseat to making money.

    P.S. I am in no way condoning speeding.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Steven-Ungles/100000297349718 Steven Ungles

    Unfortunately, speeding tickets are used to generate revenue for the cities and state. They will not tell you that, they will say that it is all about “traffic safety.” That is somewhat true, but it takes a backseat to making money.

    P.S. I am in no way condoning speeding.

  • Jmwilki@live.com

    Someone actually got paid to write this? All I can say is wow. Some people will work harder to circumvent the rules, than to abide. I have one VERY SNEAKY TRICK to avoid speeding tickets. FOLLOW POSTED SPEED LIMITS. If by chance you do exceed the speed limit and a police officer has the nerve to issue you a citation for doing so, ACCEPT THE CONSEQUENCE OF YOUR DECISION. Pay your fine and move on…

    • xMVince

      Sorry, no point in driving that slow unless you’ve still got a horse and buggy. 55MPH in 3 lane highways is just too slow for me. I’m going to be going at least 80MPH and you better move over unless you want to make the situation dangerous.

  • Donbond8

    DADD Believes, All of these are things a Dishonest Driver will Do, when they know their Breaking the Motor Vehicle LAWS!  Now how can a news papers feel good about themselves for Posting an Article that help Dumb Driver’s Break THE LAW! The Motor Vehicle Laws are in Place to protect your Children From Dumb Driver’s who don’t care about your Family!  DADD Believes there should be Zero Tolerance on Speeding and $1,000 for every Mile an Hour Over you travel!! Speeding is the Number One Reason For Wrecks! If you Lose control of your Car and Wreck, DADD Believes Your A Dumb Driver! Slow Down And Save the LIFE of A CHILD, Maybe the one Riding IN Your CAR!  How hard is it to Obey the LAW? Do you believe Stealing is Breaking the LAW? Then your a Law breaker If YOU Speed! 

  • http://deathfairy-idobelieveinfairies.blogspot.com/ Heather (Just Heather)

    Um, telling people how to avoid speeding tickets is only encouragement to speed and possibly cause more accidents. How is this helpful? 

    • xMVince

      Speeding can be done safely. How is your comment helpful if you can’t even acknowledge simple facts?

  • Anonymous

    I Like it when people are caught speeding. It’s even better when the blow around me on the Interstate – especially if I’m frustrating their progress and riding with them riding my bumper – and they get caught by the Highway Patrol over the hill. If I’m going 75 in a 70, you aren’t entitled to go 85 in a 70, which is usually what they do.

    I like looking in my rear view mirror and seeing a middle finger in it, then I give it back to them. Which makes them madder. Road rage is THEIR problem. And if they want to bring gunplay into it…then bring it on!

    • Milo Minderbinder

      In CA, it’s the law to pull right to let faster traffic pass. You may not like it, but that’s the case. Although you may think you’re slowing down a dangerous driver, your behavior is making the situation FAR more dangerous than if you simply move over

      I, too get frustrated seeing irresponsible driving. But I get out of the #1 lane when someone wishes to pass me. It is not my place to break the law in some lame effort at making a point (and causing road rage & increasing the danger to myself and everyone else).

      If you feel this strongly, I suggest you consider a career in law enforcement. Short of that, I hope you’re writing your representatives demanding safer roads & highways.

    • xMVince

      You seem proud that you’re blocking other people. Kinda silly don’t ya think? After all, they call the left-most lane the “passing lane” for a reason. Move the hell over if you’re only going 5mph over the PSL!

  • Ppcn4369s

    On any ticket, read the violation that the officer put down, then look it up….make sure it even applies to you, or that there isn’t something in the law that would void the ticket.

     

  • Trace63_33

    In my current state, Pennsylvania, only the state police are allowed to us radar. When a local policeman pulled me over recently, he asked “Do you know how fast you were going?” I made a point of when I saw his flashing lights of not looking at my speedometer so I could truthfully tell him “:I don’t know.” He had no evidence, radar, clocking me, or my confession and he asked me several times, h even asked me to guess my speed; I declined to play along, so he gave me a verbal warning and we both went our separate ways. Never admit if you were speeding, it could be the cop’s only evidence to use against you. 

  • Anonymous

    Interesting. The one time I have been stopped for speeding (years ago) I clearly violated rule #3 and the officer told me that he appreciated my honesty and the fact that I was aware of the speed I was traveling (12 mph over the highway speed limit with virtually no traffic or weather issues) and he let me go with a warning. But generally speaking, I have to agree with the “Don’t Speed” response as it rarely gets you anywhere that was worth risking your life, or somebody elses.

  • Drduckers

    hollering whoo hoo new high score when the cop tells you how fast you were going is considered bad form 

  • Geo.

    This stuff is so outdated.  Many cities now have plea bargaining built into the summons process, to avoid crowded dockets.  If you mail your fine in before a certain date, the fine and points are reduced.  If you set it for court and lose, (which you most likely will lose) Then you have to pay additional court costs.  Instead of teaching people how to beat a ticket, Readers Digest should be stressing traffic safety and not giving people a bunch of outdated nonsense.  Waving to an officer will get you out of a ticket????  Are you Serious?? 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=607602444 Sonar Subs

    And the best trick of all:

    Number 7: Don’t drive like a douche, drive the speed limit. And 100% of the time you won’t get a speeding ticket.

    • TheWisdomJournal

      Oh if only that was the case. I was pulled over and told that I was going 86 in a 70. I had my cruise control set for 70 but was passed by a car similar to mine. The cop wouldn’t listen and it cost me $247.

    • xMVince

      Right, and I’m sure you could say the same about STDs & sex. Don’t have sex, just stay safe! What a boring life that would be..

  • mike

    What a stupid article.  It should say the best way to not take responsibility for your actions.  Do what the President does.  Blame Bush!

  • Bentley

    I have a novel idea, “SLOW DOWN”

    • xMVince

      Just make sure you’re not in front of me if you do slow down.

  • Bentley

    I have a novel idea, “SLOW DOWN”

  • Jack Sprat69

    when I was stopped for speeding the officer said ‘where’s the fire” I said “in your eyes officer” he started laughing his butt off, he told me to slow down and to get out of there, so I did…

  • Femjedi

    How about not speeding?

  • http://www.facebook.com/alystar.mckenneh Alystar Mckenneh

    Easy! Don’t speed!

    • xMVince

      Thanks, but no thanks. Speeding saves time and makes driving enjoyable!

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/2HZH75ZOV7Q5F3RQVGT3TTN3C4 Todd

    There should be at least four speed limit signs in every mile?

    This article is not credible.

  • Kablamman101

    Or just kill the pig, no one will miss him

    • xMVince

      Easier said than done.

  • Rhaman

    It is too bad that 99.99% of drivers are not aware that speeding is mostly wasting fuel. Huge amounts of fuel while getting  very little except making each mile more expensive. Drive steady at or below the speed limit is best. From 55 mph to 70 mph wind drag DOUBLES. Popular Mechanics did its own research with accurate instruments using two 2012 vehicles. The cost went 30% to 38% higher. Time per mile in seconds difference is close to the seconds. At 60 MPH you go 5 seconds faster per mile. Same up to 69 MPH. Huge fuel usage for seconds per mile. So each 10 mile segment means 5 to 9 seconds per mile faster or 50 70 seconds faster. Guess what is at the exit? A nice traffic signal, or traffic or stop sign. Not worth the fuel and not worth the citation.

    • Jimmy 44

      Hey…why not just walk…think of all the fuel you could save then…I mean…your time is obviously worth nothing right?…

    • xMVince

      I’m fully aware of how inefficient speeding is, but I still enjoy doing it and it’s definitely worth the extra cost for me. After all, I have a good paying job.

  • SteveJ

    Wow!!!, that is what I am saying to myself reading some of the comments. Some peole are really ignorant. This web page is explaining how to avoid paying for”revenue generating” ideas used by some police departments and not how to avoid paying to reckless bahavior. I have no issue with speed limits where they belong, ex populated areas, you should be punished for exceeding there, because it endangers peoples lives. However, on highways, the reasons they exist there is because most of the drivers in US don’t know how to drive, don’t believe me, watch people making a left turn at any intersection and you will know what I mean. The stupid explanation that someone wrote about higher gas usage was probably written by an SUV drivers, whos vehicle never uses less than 20 mpg. Buy a smaller car and inflate your tires and you will get more gas savings. And as far as all those that feel that speeding is bad because you brake tha law… Well I guess you never drove on the left lane for more than 2 miles, yes it is actually ilegal to do that. How about entering the intersection to make a left turn and leaving it when the light is red, yes ilegal as well, so is making a right turn on red, without complete stop, or slowing down and not fully stopping at stop signs. So before you people start bad mouthing those of us that occasionally speed maybe you should look at yourself first and yes eucate yourself, because when I speed at least I know It is breaking the rules.

  • gfsagfa

    Buy a radar detector you silly people.. Take advantage of today’s innovative technology. I have gone upwards of 125 mph on highways, always drive over 85 and have been doing so for years. NOT ONE ticket to my name. Invest in a detector, you will be very satisfied.

    • nunya biz

      you’re a suicidal idiot,try not to take anyone else out with you when you go.

    • Milo Minderbinder

      Yup, you’re an idiot! You aren’t cool, or a good driver, or anything else positive, but an a-hole endangering others. Take it to the track and drive with REAL drivers who know what they’re doing. What, you don’t want to get lapped?

      When you’re on public roads, slow the F down and drive responsibly!

    • xMVince

      I use a radar detector myself (V1) and it saves me every day! It’s funny how some of these commenters think we’re suicidal, but in reality I’ve been speeding for over a decade with no accidents. So, what exactly is the reason not to speed if you can do it safely and avoid tickets? Anyone?

  • http://www.facebook.com/dean.cook.161 Dean Cook

    I’m all for slowing down, but can’t believe the number of people posting like they have never exceeded the speed limit in their lives. What a crock. There are times when you can be more of a danger driving to slow than driving a little over the speed limit. Spare me the sanctimonious B.S.

    • Milo Minderbinder

      I can appreciate your point. But the behavior one sees on the roads at any given time is proof that people cannot possibly be bothered to drive responsibly. This much change. Fines & penalties for irresponsible driving that endangers others need to be MUCH higher. Driving is a privilege, not a right. Law enforcement needs to revoke FAR more licenses and ENFORCE it more.

      And put down the cell phones, goddamit! The next driver I see texting on the free way may just get followed home and receive a rude surprise!

      • http://www.facebook.com/dean.cook.161 Dean Cook

        Rude and distracted driving is not the subject of this article. In addition I was addressing those people who act like they have never been guilty of speeding.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004560601160 John Mason

    Don’t admit that you were speeding, how stupid is that, I was so dumb and clueless Officer I really didn’t know that I was speeding. I thought the sign said 85 not 55

  • Jake

    #1 tip = don’t speed.

    • xMVince

      Grow some balls.

  • Milo Minderbinder

    Reader’s Digest, here’s your article:

    How to Avoid Speeding Tickets

    Drive responsibly. Obey the law. Observe the Basic Speed Law. Know the Vehicle Code.
    Do not use your electronic devices behind the wheel. Avoid distracted driving. Do not drive under the influence of any drugs that impair your ability to drive responsibly.

    That’s all drivers need to know.

    Teaching them how to drive irresponsibly and then shirk the penalties or fines is irresponsible. We already have almost 40,000 deaths every year on our roads & highways in the US. Giving drivers methods of avoiding punishment for irresponsible driving is absurd.

    Shame on you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100400027 Mary Smith

    6 Tricks to Avoiding Speeding Tickets, not one trick was “Don’t Speed”. Hmmm.

    • xMVince

      Most people have good enough reaction speeds & vehicles to handle speeding this day in age. After all, 55mph on 3-lane highways is just way too slow. Why would I want to waste time when I can go a little faster? These tips are very helpful and telling me not to speed is an insult to my motor skills.

  • xMVince

    All in all, for people with functioning brains and well-maintained vehicles, speeding can be done safely and effectively. I save quite a bit of time overall by going 15-20MPH over the PSL and have been doing so for over a decade without ever being in an accident. Anyone telling me not to speed is probably just overly fearful/paranoid and doesn’t understand that other people have different physical & mental limitations than they do. Maybe you can’t handle the speed, but I have proven to myself that I can and will. If I ever get in an accident, I’ll face the consequences, but until then I am quite confident that I can speed safely. Live by the sword, die by the sword. If you don’t like it, stay out of the passing lane.

  • anonymous

    Let’s call a spade a spade: speeding tickets are for generating revenue. It’s a TAX. Plain and simple. Cops who write speeding tickets are tax collectors. Driving over the speed limit does not mean you are driving unsafely, especially on the highway. The mantra is not true.