As all of us know, most guys like to show off their rides and blaze speeds up to and past 120. But we also know that revving those engines that high can get you busted for a speeding ticket. But other than the obvious reasons of getting a speeding ticket that is unavoidable, let’s tackle getting out of one, or at least reducing the price or harshness of one, that is for the normal, run of the mill, 70 in a 55 zone, ticket.

OH SHIT IT’S THE COPS!

First off, let’s start with common sense! Something which many of you lack, sorry to say. When (s)he pulls you over, or you even see the lights (even if it isn’t for you), MOVE THE HELL OVER, IMMEDIATELY! Don’t try going for a while to see if it’s really you (s)he’s after. Best case scenario, you show courtesy they pass and do nothing, and you slow your speed until they visibly pass your view. Better for the car to be in front of you as opposed to behind.

CAUGHT RED HANDED

Now let’s say (s)he is pulling you over; Do NOT grab your license and registration until asked! It will make them seem like you have this happen to you a lot (which, let’s face it, you probably do) and they will not show you any leniency. What you should do, as I just recently learned this, is turn off your car, take your keys out of the ignition, roll down your window, put the keys on top of the car, and stick your hands out the window so they see you are not reaching for any weapon. They find it courteous and reassuring. They will less likely treat you hostile and will be more likely in a better mood and give you a break. With that said, when they ask you, “Do you know why I pulled you over,” or “Do you realize how fast you were going back there,” do NOT acknowledge the fact that you do. You set yourself up like that and that causes you to look for “the excuse.” I’m sorry fella’s, but the “My boss said if I’m late to work one more time, I’m fired,” deal doesn’t work much anymore–especially if your car looks souped up.

RESPECT MY AUTHORITY

What you should do, is be polite and courteous with every answer. Don’t show that you are agitated that you got pulled over. The more polite you are, the more likely you’re able to skate with a warning. It’s just common sense. What you should say in response to those questions is “No, officer. Sorry, I didn’t realize it,” politely and calmly. Let them do the explaining. The more your mouth is shut, the lesser a chance of you saying something stupid.

LICENSE AND REGISTRATION PLEASE

Next: when they finally ask for your license and registration, make sure you grab your registration info first. This way when you grab your license, you can have your PBA card right next to it and ensure that the officer sees it. And for those of you without PBA cards, I recommend finding a friend who knows a cop and getting your hands on one immediately. Lucky for me, my father is retired NYPD, so I get them all the time. And now, every one of my friends reading this will be coming to me to beg for one. You should also know that PBA cards have a year on them, so I would recommend getting a new one every year. Some cops like to be sticklers to the year.

ACE IN THE HOLE: PBA CARDS

Word of advice: try to get your PBA card from a city cop (if you live near one). They are the most respected cards, especially out in Long Island. Nassau cards used in Suffolk and vice versa, usually end up with a ticket and a pissed off cop. On the same note, I recommend keeping the PBA card either in front of or in back of your license; this way, when you go to grab it, you grab both and they see it either first, or right behind your license when you give your license to them. It is imperative that you give them both the card and license together! If you don’t hand it to the cop, they might think you are too scared that they will think you are trying to get off easy, and then you will be shown almost no leniency. A PBA card is NOT a guaranteed “Get out of jail free” card! But it does help. Sometimes the officer will ask “Who do you know?” From there, unless you are really related to one, just say “My uncle (or aunt) is a police officer.” Do not use the word “cop,” as they find it disrespectful. If they decide to ask you where they work, just say “Somewhere in Brooklyn, not really sure where.” Let me reiterate, the less you speak the better.

Finally: When all is said and done, you should end up with a slap on the wrist instead of a ticket. And if you do end up with a ticket…my only advice for you is to SLOW THE HELL DOWN!!!