The simple answer to, “How can I avoid a speeding ticket?” is, “Don’t speed.” Even the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reports that at least half of all drivers tend to keep up with faster traffic despite knowing the dangers of speeding.

So how can you keep from dealing with a citation? Try these tips:

1. Keep a Low Profile

In other words, try not to draw unwanted attention to yourself. Tinted windows on a red sports car that is speeding in the fast lane make for an easy target. Other behaviors, such as weaving in and out of traffic or throwing trash out the window is more likely to catch the eye of law enforcement.

2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Keep in mind when you are traveling that there is always the possibility of law enforcement waiting on the other side of an overpass or a camera positioned over the highway. You can also take clues from other drivers. It can be frustrating to see brake lights and slowed traffic, but those drivers could be responding to an officer waiting with a radar gun at the top of the hill.

3. Remain Silent

If you are pulled over, you should certainly comply with requests from law enforcement asking for your driver’s license and registration. However, if officers ask you how fast you think you were going, you do not have to answer. You can simply state, “I don’t know.” Remain respectful at all times but do not say anything that could compromise your situation.

4. Use a Radar Detector

There are several states that prohibit commercial vehicles from using radar detectors, but the devices are legal in North Carolina and South Carolina, according to the American Association of Automobiles. These tools can be useful for indicating when members of law enforcement are nearby so you can check your speed and come into compliance with the law.

5. Fight a Ticket

Keep in mind that just because you receive a speeding ticket does not mean that you will have to pay the fine and suffer the consequences. There are several arguments that work successfully when contesting a ticket, like questioning the accuracy of the radar gun used or challenging that a speed limit sign was not up to code.

Our attorneys  have years of experience helping clients fight traffic tickets. We know how financially devastating a citation can be, both in terms of the fines and the increase to your car insurance rates. Our team can develop a convincing argument to help reduce or totally dismiss tickets and charges.

Source: Popular Mechanics, “10 Tips to Avoid Speeding Tickets,” Nov. 4, 2013