8 Steps To Take After Getting Pulled Over For Speeding

If you are pulled over for speeding, it’s normal to experience a mixture of shock, frustration, and fear. You may also find yourself wishing a magic genie would appear to give you tips to help you protect your driving record. While you can’t count on a magic genie to guide you through the process, there are some simple things you can do to help minimize damage to your driving record. Below are eight steps to follow if you get pulled over for speeding.

Step One: Pull over as soon as you safely can.

“The red and blue lights are shining in your rear-view mirror. Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed; in fact, acknowledge your intention to pull over by immediately activating your turn signal and then finding a safe place to pull off the roadway, on the right hand shoulder if at all possible.” – National Motorists Organization

If a police vehicle signals for you to pull over, take action by pulling off the road as soon as you safely can. If possible, move your vehicle to the right-hand shoulder. If you are on a narrow residential street, you can pull into a parking lot or side street located on the right-hand side of the road.

Step Two: Turn off your engine and place your keys on the dashboard.

Once you bring your vehicle to a full stop, turn off your engine and roll down your window to allow you to communicate with law enforcement officials. Then place your keys on the dashboard where the officer can see them. This step will reassure the officer that you have no intention of leaving the scene while safeguarding against accidental acceleration.

Step Three: Remain calm while listening to the officer.

Many people who are pulled over for speeding find this step to be the most challenging. In some cases, people feel nervous or anxious. But in other cases, they may become upset because they feel that they were pulled over without good reason. Regardless of how anxious or frustrated you feel, it’s important to try to relax and listen to the officer’s instructions.

Step Four: Refrain from making sudden movements.

Always remain still in your vehicle unless the officer instructs you to move or exit your car. Stay seated and avoid making sudden motions or gestures, as the officer may interpret your movement as a threat. Finally, it’s a good idea to keep your seat belt fastened to show you are complying with seat belt laws.

Step Five: Do not voluntarily admit to any wrongdoing.

You can let the officer know you are listening without saying anything to incriminate yourself. Do not admit to speeding or apologize for exceeding the speed limit. Even if you know you were speeding, it’s best to respond to the officer without admitting guilt. For instance, if the officer tells you they pulled you over for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone, you can simply say, “I see.”

Step Six: Be cordial.

There is no need to be overly nice or chatty to a law enforcement official who pulls you over. In fact, it’s usually best to keep your conversation to a minimum because anything you say may be used against you later in court. As you keep your conversation light, remember to be polite and cordial. For instance, saying “please” and “thank you” is fine.

Step Seven: Make a note of key details of your traffic stop.

Once your encounter with the officer is complete, take a few minutes to jot down the key details of your experience. This information may prove to be helpful if you received a citation and you wish to dispute it. Here are some details to include in your notes:

• The date and time you were pulled over
• The location of your alleged speeding violation
• The name and badge number of the officer
• Any relevant details regarding the weather or road conditions

Step Eight: If you received a citation, store it in a safe location.

Your citation will likely contain important information regarding your alleged speeding infraction. Additionally, it should include your ticket number and instructions for remitting payment online or in-person for any fines incurred. Make a note of your ticket number and the due date listed on your citation. Then store your ticket in a secure location along with any notes you took after your encounter with the police.

What if you are pulled over for speeding and want to fight your citation?

If you receive a citation you wish to fight, reach out to the best speeding ticket lawyer in New Orleans right away. One of our experienced traffic attorneys will review the details of your ticket and boost your odds of achieving the best possible outcome with your speeding case. And if you feel that you have been wrongly accused of a violation, we will help you fight your speeding ticket in Louisiana. We look forward to helping you protect your driving record!