{"id":355897,"date":"2016-04-04T11:04:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:04:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/avoiding-traffic-tickets-and-staying-in-line-with-the-law.html"},"modified":"2023-10-18T12:41:41","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T17:41:41","slug":"avoiding-traffic-tickets-and-staying-in-line-with-the-law","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/avoiding-traffic-tickets-and-staying-in-line-with-the-law.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Avoid Traffic Tickets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How To Avoid Traffic Tickets<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Don’t run red lights. Stop for school buses. Wear your seat belt. You probably already follow common traffic laws like these to ensure you won’t run into the police. Yet, even law-abiding drivers can get tickets.<\/p>\r\n

These little slips of paper can lead to more problems than a fine. They can also give you higher insurance rates and points on your driver’s license. A traffic offense can sometimes put a misdemeanor or felony<\/a> on your criminal record.<\/p>\r\n

There are other ways for motorists to keep their driving records clean. This article provides some tips on how to avoid traffic tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Maximize Your Sightlines When Driving<\/h2>\r\n

The best way to be able to spot the police is to ensure that you have good visibility from your car. You can do this by cleaning your windows and mirrors whenever you fill up at a gas station. If you have large stickers on any of your windows, removing them may be a good idea.<\/p>\r\n

Also, check your rearview mirror for excessive vibration. If your rearview mirror moves too much, you might lose visibility to the back of your car. You can easily fix this problem by checking your car’s suspension or ensuring the wheels are balanced.<\/p>\r\n

Identify Highway Patrol Vehicles<\/h2>\r\n

It’s a good idea to learn how to spot highway patrol cars, whether they are driving around or parked on the side of the road. It can be tricky to tell whether a car is a patrol vehicle.<\/p>\r\n

Highway patrol cars are typically sedans with siren lights mounted on the top or sides of the car. Many highway patrol jurisdictions also employ patrol cars with smaller, sleeker profiles. Sometimes, the lights on top of vehicles are inside the car near the windows.<\/p>\r\n

Know Where Police Officers Patrol<\/h2>\r\n

Highway patrol cars often wait for speeders near highway on-ramps. When driving through an overpass followed by an on-ramp, it’s always a good idea to look around for any parked cars, check your speed, and drive safely.<\/p>\r\n

Patrol officers often work in teams. One car might check speeds using a radar gun<\/a> while parked on the overpass. Another car could be waiting below the overpass to issue a speeding ticket. Stationary motor vehicles on an overpass could signal that you’re approaching a speed trap.<\/p>\r\n

Police vehicles driving in the opposite direction may be watching your lane, too. These vehicles have features that allow patrol officers to U-turn quickly and catch up to you. You could get a ticket if they notice you breaking a traffic law.<\/p>\r\n

Watch for Patrol Motorcycles<\/h2>\r\n

In addition to cars, the highway patrol often uses motorcycles and airplanes. Highway patrol motorcycles are recognizable due to their large size and rear radio antenna. The rider of a patrol motorcycle usually sits upright, which is distinct from sport bikes with forward-leaning riders.<\/p>\r\n

Consider Patrol Airplanes<\/h2>\r\n

Some highway patrols use airplanes and other small aircraft to issue speeding tickets. This method is more common in rural areas with large stretches of highway, such as South Dakota<\/a>. If highway patrol monitors speed via aircraft, the roadway will typically warn drivers with signs.<\/p>\r\n

Spotting a plane is harder than spotting a highway patrol car or motorcycle. However, if you see a small plane flying parallel to the road you’re on, the police may be monitoring your speed from above.<\/p>\r\n

Don’t Stand Out on the Road<\/h2>\r\n

One of the best ways to prevent traffic citations is to avoid being noticeable on the road. Don’t give police any reason to pull you over. Your vehicle itself could inspire them to issue a non-moving violation<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

To lower your chance of catching a patrol officer’s attention, follow these tips:<\/p>\r\n