1. Know your laws
In Florida, the penalty for going up to 5 mph over the speed limit under state law is a warning. (Of course, there are exceptions, as school zones) but fines will apply to drivers going at least 6 mph over.
2. Have Situational awareness
Richard Diamond, who is a blogger about driving politics, encourages drivers to be aware of their surroundings. In example, if the traffic is slower than usual, there’s a reason.
3. Don’t use the fast lane.
Not only does driving in the left-most lane risk giving an officer the impression you wanted to go fast, it makes it easier for officers hiding along the median to catch you, which is the reason why it’s the lane closest to them.
4. Identify officers hiding spots
Be aware of location where officers could hide their vehicles and remain close enough to use a radar gun. On highways, for example, such locations include median cutouts, bends in the roadway wide what lies ahead.
5. Say hi to that hidden police.
An unidentified former police officer told Reader’s Digest that if you noticed a hidden police vehicle while you were driving a little too fast, you should wave at the officer so that they think that you know each other or that you acknowledge you are driving fast and will start to slow down. Either way, you will drastically reduce your chance of getting a traffic ticket.
6. Try to look innocent
Cars with tinted windows, neon undercarriage lights, spoilers, bumper sticks that might be offensive are unlikely to make a good impression with cops. According to Reader’s Digest some officers decide whether to give a ticket or a warning before they approach a driver, so we recommend keeping your car clean and uncluttered so that officers perceive you as a responsible citizen rather than a frequent speeder who can’t stand police officers.
7. Keep your car in good working conditions
Police officers are more likely to let a single offense slide by but if you have, for example, a broken headlight or taillight and you are driving too fast, then you have more chances to get a traffic ticket.
8. Be polite
If you are pulled over by a police officer, be polite. Fighting with a police officer will never increase your chances of leniency.
Also keep in mind that pulling individuals over could be an unsafe undertaking. So, don’t do anything that may cause an officer to feel uneasy.
The insurance company Esurance advises that you turn off your car and turn on your hazards, roll down the windows all the way to show there’s nothing to hide and in case in dark outside, turn on the light inside your car.
Take off your hat and sunglasses, keep your hands where the cops can see them and stay inside the car unless you’re asked to get out of it. Last but not least, don’t make sudden hand movements as an officer could perceive it as threat, Esurance states.