Can the color of my car affect the likelihood that I will get ticketed?
Yes. Bright colors, especially red, tend to attract attention, including the attention of cops. Pastel or dark colors tend to be less noticeable and make you look more serious.

Does the condition of my car interior affect the likelihood of getting ticketed?
Yes. A messy interior makes you look bad. Dirty ash trays in particular get the attention of the police.

Can bumper stickers affect the likelihood of getting ticketed?
Yes. Stickers that are either violent or anti-cop will get you in trouble. Stickers for the Grateful Dead or similar bands may get cops suspicious.

Should I speak a lot, or simply answer the officer's questions as briefly as possible?
Try not to be too quiet. Reluctance to speak makes it look like you're hiding something.

Should I apologize to the officer?
No. Cops are used to hearing people say "I'm sorry" and it sounds clich and insincere to them.

How should I begin the conversation with the cop?
Try to let the police officer start. Don't begin with "What's the problem, officer" or "Was I (fill in your violation here)".

If I know another cop or someone else important, should I mention their name?
No. Name-dropping usually angers cops.

Can I ask to see the radar gun?
This is a definite no. It will make you look combative and be useless because the cop can make the radar gun say whatever he wants it to.

Should my passengers talk to the cop?
No, unless they are specifically asked to do so.

Should I consent to a search of my car?
Before agreeing to a search you should ask the officer for probable cause.


SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SoYouWanna avoid getting a traffic ticket?