Some people might feel that learning how to beat a speeding ticket is about being dishonest or acting unethically. This could not be further from the truth. Instead, it is about learning how the system works and how to make it work in your favor.

1. Radar detectors will not always protect you from getting a ticket.
2. Always be polite.
3. Do not make excuses or admit your guilt.
4. Take notes before leaving the area.
5. Don't be afraid to go to court.

Second, you want to eliminate any tension from the encounter. While you know that you are not a danger to the officer, he or she does not know that. Unfortunately, a routine stop can turn into a life-and-death situation for officers. You want to do everything to make the officer understand that you are complying and are not a threat. Your chances of getting off with just a warning will increase if they are relaxed.c

1. Answer questions with "Yes/No, Sir," "Yes/No, Ma'am" or "Yes/No, Officer."
2. Do not act like you know the law better than the police officer does. Imagine how you would feel if you were being challenged by someone at work who was not in your field.c
3. Save any arguments for court.
4. Listen and follow the officer's directions.
5. Wait until after the officer has obtained your information and then ask if you can speak to him about the violation.

Many people mistakenly believe that if they don't sign the ticket, the case will be dismissed or they can say that they were not there. This is not true. In fact, refusing to sign the ticket can land you in jail in some areas. 

1. When you are asked why you were pulled over, answer no whenever possible.
2. If you don't want to lie, respond to their question about why you were pulled over with something like, "With all do respect, doesn't answering your question open me up to self-incrimination?"
3. Any excuse that you give for speeding is an admission of guilt.
   1. The police officer has probably heard it before.
   2. Does your excuse justify endangering other people's lives (which is why speed limits were invented)?
   3. In certain extreme circumstances, such as a woman in labor or a child having been taken to the hospital, an excuse might work at getting you out of the ticket.
4. You can plead your case without making excuses. The officer might take mercy on you. However, any pleas should be brief.

1. First, ask how the offense was detected and/or verified.
2. Find out where the officer was when he/she clocked your speed and if he/she was moving at the time.
3. Next, ask if a speed measurement device was used or was your speed estimated.
4. If they used a speed measurement device:
   1. Ask if they used radar, laser or Accutrac.
   2. Ask to see the radar. Some jurisdictions require that officers allow you to see it if you ask.
   3. Find out when the last time the device was calibrated.

If you are unable or uncomfortable with asking these questions, don't worry. You can always find them out as part of the discovery process when you go to court. The same goes for if the officer refuses to answer your questions. Remain polite and quietly go on your way.

You will want to gather as much information as you can before going to court. When the officer goes back to his or her car to write the ticket, start gathering information. 

One of the best things you can do is to delay your court case for as long as possible. 

Here is a list of the information you will want to try to obtain. Unfortunately, some states have limited the amount of information people can obtain in traffic cases, so some of this may be difficult to obtain:

1. The officer's copy of the ticket
2. The officer's training records and certifications
3. A copy of the officer's Authorized Certification of Training in the proper use of all radar guns in use by the department or records regarding the training administered to the officer regarding the use of speed measuring devices
4. A copy of the patrol car assignments for the date when you received the ticket
5. Copies of manufacturer's names, including makes, models and serial numbers of all speed measuring devices in use by the Police Department
6. Maintenance and calibration records for the past six months for all speed measuring devices used by the department
7. Any literature from the manufacturer regarding correct use, including recommended maintenance, specifications on mounting, aiming, weather and traffic limitations for all speed measuring devices used by the department

You will also want to review the code for the violation you were cited. You can usually find it at your local library or local law library. This will be important for when you go to court because if the officer fails to prove any part of the code, your case will be dismissed.

While it can be nerve wracking to go to court, remember that all the pressure is on the police officer. When you go to court, you will be entering a plea of "not guilty" and a trial date will be set. He/she must prove that you are guilty. That does not mean that you should totally relax. Preparation is the key to winning your court in case.

If your case makes it to trial, usually the officer will testify first. You will then have the opportunity to question the officer. You will want to ask questions of the officer that strengthen your defense.