When you see flashing lights in your rearview, take a deep breath, and relax. How you react has a lot to do with the decision the officer makes.
Did you know officers have 100-percent discretion when it comes to handing out tickets? They can either write down exactly what the radar gun shows, or they can relax the rules and help you out. Whether they do or not, has a lot to do with you.
So, how do you improve your chances of getting a warning rather than a citation? One word, respect. Don't argue or make excuses, they've more than likely heard them all.
Next, make it an easy stop. Pull over quickly, turn on your interior lights and keep your hands on the wheel. The officer will appreciate your cooperation, and could cut you a break.
What happens if you don’t get a warning? You still have some options. You can fight the ticket. The national motorist association says if you show up to court your ticket will more than likely get dismissed or lowered. If not, the final option is called a “plea and abeyance." you basically make a deal with the judge to follow the rules for a certain amount of time, and the charge will be dropped.
