Getting pulled over for speeding can happen to anyone. What you do in the next few minutes after a cop stops you can determine whether things get worse.
If you want to limit the damage — and possibly avoid paying too much for car insurance in the near future — don’t make these common mistakes if you’re tagged for speeding.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Arguing with the police officer
Yes, you’re angry and frustrated over being stopped. But that anger can backfire if you're not careful.
It's fine to plead your case. But arguing, getting loud, or acting rude isn't likely to be helpful.
A better approach is to keep a calm, even tone and remain polite. Holding your tongue is difficult, but it may help you avoid additional charges. The right tone might even encourage the officer to issue a warning instead of writing a ticket.
Saying too much
Don’t blurt out your life story when the officer reaches your window. For example, don’t admit that you were going 20 miles an hour over the speed limit or engaging in any other illegal activity, such as texting.
Instead, provide answers to questions you’re asked, supply your insurance and driver’s license information, and don’t say anything else.
Not contesting the ticket
If you get a speeding ticket, it may seem like the easy solution is to pay the fine and move on. But it might be wise to fight back if you think a mistake was made — like you know you weren't speeding.
Heading to court over a speeding ticket shows the judge that you’re serious about what’s occurred, which might help you get charges reduced or eliminated.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Not hiring an attorney
There are times when you should seek out an attorney after getting a ticket. For instance, any time you have a commercial driver's license or are at risk of losing your license.
Seeking legal help might also be wise if you’re facing charges beyond speeding, including instances where you’ve damaged property.
Assuming a speeding ticket is no big deal
Getting a speeding ticket can be a big deal. In particular, racking up multiple speeding tickets in a short period increases your risk of major consequences, including possibly losing your license.
Tickets can also be expensive. Not only do you have to pay the original ticket, but you’ll also be at risk of higher car insurance costs.
Treating a ticket seriously helps you resolve things in a manner that might result in you keeping more money in your wallet.
Trending Stories
Believing your out-of-state-ticket doesn’t matter
It’s a mistake to assume you can speed without consequences simply because you're driving in another state.
Getting a ticket in a neighboring state can be as damaging as being pulled over at home. Always drive intelligently, regardless of where you happen to be.
Making sudden, strange movements
If you’re pulled over for speeding, remain in your car and follow the directions of the police officer. Don’t make the mistake of jumping out of the vehicle or diving into the passenger seat.
Cops have a tough job, and sudden movements can make you appear to be a threat. Don’t reach for your purse or open the glove box, even if you know your driver’s license and insurance are there.
Instead, calm the situation by waiting until the police officer tells you what to do.
Going to court on your own
You might be required to appear in court if the charges are serious. But don’t assume you have to do so alone.
If you're facing serious charges and are worried about the outcome, seek legal representation. You have the right to defend yourself, even for a simple speeding ticket.
Telling the officer that you’re important
Avoid making foolish statements. Don’t say things such as, “Do you know who I am?" or “I know your boss.”
Remain polite and don't demand extra special treatment, even if you are the mayor's child. Instead, be respectful and answer questions, allowing the officer to navigate this process without complications.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Bottom line
Getting a speeding ticket isn’t a good thing, and it’s likely to cost you. Yet, it’s important to do what you can to minimize any negative outcome.
Try to avoid the mistakes on this list. Doing so can help you lower financial stress and other negative impacts of a speeding ticket.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.