5 Proven Tips on How to Talk to a Cop When You're Pulled Over for Speeding

Virtually everyone gets caught, at one point or another, exceeding the speed limit. In fact, the vast majority of us exceed the speed limit on a daily basis. It was once supposed on ABC News' Nightline, that if everyone who speeds got caught every time they exceeded the limit, virtually none of us would have driver's licenses.

Given that everyone gets caught one time or another, how you handle the situation will decide whether you walk away with a verbal or written warning, a ticket or even jail. Most police officers are just doing their jobs and really do not enjoy giving people tickets. It is a lot of paperwork and, if there are other legal issues involved, the paperwork can take hours to complete.

That said, they still have a job to do. You, however, can improve your lot a long way if you apply some basic common sense steps to avoid raising the policeman's ire. Use the following five steps as a way to, at the very least, control the damage:

1. Pull over promptly unless you feel unsafe: If possible, pull over immediately. Do not raise the officer's adrenaline level by hesitating or taking a long time to stop. If you do feel unsafe, put your emergency hazard lights on and call 911 - telling them that you are intending to stop when you get to a well lighted or populated area. This is your right, and most police officers will understand once they realize your intentions.

2. Get your documentation: When you pull over, immediately get your paperwork and license out for the officer. Having your paperwork ready does not imply guilt, it merely shows you are being cooperative.

3. Remove distractions: Put out any cigarettes, turn off the radio, cover any beverages with a lid and turn off cell phones. Cigarette smoking implies defiance. Leaving the radio on impedes communications and implies disrespect. Covering beverages removes any possibility of the officer looking into what you are drinking or from finding an infraction to get you out of the vehicle (in most states, uncovered beverages are "technically" considered a driving hazard). Cell phones are just plain annoying.