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Do you need to be respectful of officers who pull you over? No, you really don't
Do they need to let you off with just a warning? No, they really don't
Should your attitude and responses have merit on if you get a ticket or not? No, they really shouldn't. But by that logic, you should get a ticket every time you break the law, even a little. Its just common sense that being pleasant and respectful will go a long ways in keeping you from getting a ticket.
Its been awhile since I've been pulled over, but the last time that I was here was a list of what I did wrong:
Speeding 75 in a 55 (while passing, I still think that one is stupid)
Failure to signal going out for the pass (I did signal coming back in, I must not have pressed the signal hard enough while going out)
Rear liscense plate was unlight (bulbs had burned out w/out my knowledge)
Expired Sticker
DL address did not match current address
Here's what I did:
Roll down all the windows
Turn on all cab lights
Those were so the officer could more clearly see into the car and feel less at risk
Speak in a kind, curteous, and honest manner
I did not ask for a break
Result:
Written warning for all offenses
Everthing was cleared up in the next 3 days.
Was the officer being kind to me? Absolutely. Was I lucky? Maybe somewhat, but I still believe that by not acting like a jerk, I certainly helped his kind actions along.
I'm not an officer, but I give them alot of respect. I try to do that with everyone. Try it sometime, its a heck of a lot nicer way to live.
P.S. - I have no front license plate on my Camaro. I hope that if I am pulled over my kind words will keep me from getting a ticket, but it will be certainly within the officers rights to write me up anyways.
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