How to Avoid Traffic Tickets

One of the most unwelcome sights as a driver is a flashing blue light in your rear-view mirror. Getting pulled over by a police officer is unnerving and stressful, but it helps to know there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting served a citation.

Follow these steps to avoid traffic tickets in the metro-Atlanta area

• When the blue lights start flashing and you realize they are flashing for you, the first thing you need to do is pull over somewhere safe.

• Turn on your interior light, roll down your window, and keep your hands on the wheel. If you are wearing a hat or sunglasses, take them off. You don’t want to make the officer nervous. Never get out of the car.

• As you wait for the officer to reach your car, get your attitude in check. Being polite and respectful increases your chance of getting away with just a warning.

• Let the officer speak first and save your pleas for later. When the officer asks you for your license and registration, which they will likely do first, inform them of where these items are located before you retrieve them. For example, say, “I’m going to get my registration out of the glove box,” before leaning over to do so.

• When in doubt play stupid and DO NOT ADMIT TO ANYTHING. When an officer asks, “Do you know why I pulled you over?” it is their way of getting you to admit to what you were doing. If possible, say nothing; the cop can use your admission against you in court.

• What you CAN do is pretend like the ticket he or she is about to write you is the end of the world. Act as scared as possible (again, without admitting guilt). If you have been polite to the officer and are displaying genuine grief over the possibility of a ticket, an officer in a compassionate mood might let you off with a warning.

• If you are issued a ticket despite taking these steps, do not argue the situation out on the road; wait to fight it in traffic court.

• The officer will require you to sign and take the ticket before you can leave. Know that signing the ticket does not mean admission of guilt. As long as you never admit you did anything wrong then don't worry, take the ticket.

• While the incident is fresh in your head, write down everything you remember about the situation. Record how much traffic there was, the weather, which lane you were in, etc. The details could help win your case.

What if you do this and still can't avoid a traffic ticket?

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, there is nothing you can do to avoid getting a traffic ticket. Not only are tickets expensive, but they can accumulate points on your driving record and can raise your insurance rates significantly.

Georgia Traffic Courts are intimidating and the process of arguing a ticket is complicated, but a good traffic ticket attorney will fight the ticket on your behalf and save you time, stress, money, and increased insurance premiums. The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm has a track record of resolving cases quickly, at reasonable rates, and in most case, you won’t have to appear in court.

Whether you are a CDL Driver, Out-of-State, Under Age 18 or 21, or you’ve received a traffic ticket for Speeding, DUI, Driving without Insurance, Driving with a Suspended License, Hit and Run, an Accident, or Reckless Driving, attorney Scott M. Patterson can help you Save POINTS and save MONEY.

Don’t let a traffic ticket ruin your day; call The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm at (770) 422-8840 and move on.