What to Do if You Are Pulled Over for Speeding
Speeding is a serious crime – according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in almost 30 percent of all fatal traffic accidents each year. Because of this, law enforcement agencies across the country have begun cracking down on those who speed, especially those who speed at extremely high speeds. Being pulled over for speeding is not uncommon and the consequences you face after a traffic stop depend partly on how you conduct yourself during the traffic stop. Here are a couple of tips to follow if you are pulled over for speeding. Should that happen and you receive a violation or are charged with a criminal offense, you need to call a speeding ticket attorney right away.
Pull Over as Soon as Possible
Obviously, the first thing you should do when you see a police officer attempting to pull you over is to pull off to the right-hand shoulder of the road. If there is not a safe place to pull over, turning your hazard lights on can signal to the officer that you acknowledge him while you find a safe spot to stop.
Stay in Your Vehicle
Once you are pulled over, do not leave your vehicle. The main thing the police officer is concerned with is his or her personal safety and you get out of your vehicle is seen as a threat to that safety. Unless the officer tells you to step out of your vehicle, stay seated.
Keep Your Hands Visible
Again, the police officer is always trying to make ensure their safe. You should keep your hands visible at all times during a traffic stop. Placing your hands on the steering wheel allows the officer to be aware of your hands at all times. The officer will most likely want to see your vehicle’s registration, your driver’s license, and your proof of insurance, but before you reach for these documents, inform the officer of what you are doing.
Be Polite
Being pulled over can be frustrating. Before you take your frustration out on the police officer, take a deep breath. Being rude and disrespectful to the police officer is a good way to have your charges elevated and your punishment the maximum punishment available. Do not argue with the police officer, even if you disagree with the ticket. Sign the ticket and focus on fighting it later.
Contact a Traffic Violations Law Firm Today
Though speeding is tempting, it is never a good idea. Chances are, you will get pulled over by a police officer, and you will face a traffic ticket, which can get expensive. If you are pulled over, it is important that you act polite and courteous to the police because you may face negative consequences if you do not.
To find out what legal options there are to fight a speeding ticket you have been issued, call an experienced attorney, like a New Jersey speeding ticket attorney from a law firm like Rispoli & Borneo P.C.