As drivers, in the busy streets of Toronto we are all vulnerable to the ever dreadful mishaps that occur on the road. Over time we each get our share of traffic tickets. You can hire a paralegal to represent you after receiving a ticket, or, you may be able to talk your way out of one.

Whether you failed to make a complete stop at a stop sign, drove above the speed limit, or committed  a moving violation under the Highway Traffic Act, once the cherries behind you are flashing the anxiety begins to set.

I can certainly sympathize with any of my clients; as a driver, I am just as quick to get upset by increased insurance premiums, demerit points, and a bruised driving record.  Our first reaction is dreadful since we already know what’s coming next.

Before you worry about the ticket, appearing in court, or the penalties, consider the following tips on how to talk your way out of getting that ticket.  For simplicity, I have listed the following tips for your consideration.

1. When pulled over by an officer, be sure to stop in the nearest and safest spot on the road way. This avoids danger of a collision, and ensures the officer of your awareness to the road conditions.

2. Turn on your emergency lights to indicate to other drivers and the officer that you have stopped your car with the intention of staying still.

3. Put your car in parking position, open your window, and turn off the ignition. Show the officer that you are ready to speak to him and are not concealing your breath or identity. It also ensures the officer that you have no intention of running away or making sudden moves.

4. Place both your hands on the wheel until the officer approaches you and wait patiently.  This makes officer feel safe and shows you to be considerate to his position.  The officer will feel safe and more inclined to take a friendly approach with you.

5. When the officer approaches your vehicle be polite and friendly, by greeting the officer with a smile and saying hello officer.  Do not refer to officers as cop or copper.  These terms are insulting and pass a sense of judgement to their profession.

6. Do not volunteer any information or ask any questions, let the officer tell you why he stopped you or pose the question to you first. The officer will more than likely ask: “Do you know why I pulled you over”? *THE FOLLOWING IS KEY:

The best response to such a question is “Sorry officer but I believe I was doing my best to drive as safely as possible”. Be sure to smile and be sincere.  Do not insult the officer’s intelligence, be polite without admitting fault but also giving the officer the benefit of the doubt that he had legitimate reason to pull you over.  This response suggests that you exercised due diligence according to the road conditions.

7. The officer may then advise you of the moving violation he alleges you committed.  DO NOT argue with the officer, but do not feel compelled to agree as this can become an admission of guilt.  Again, simply apologize for the misunderstanding and advise you were driving as safely as you could.

8.  When asked for your driver’s license and documents be mindful of where you are keeping them.  Do not make any sudden moves towards the glove compartment or your pockets.  If your license or documents are in one of your pockets, let the officer know that’s where they are and that you are reaching for them.  This will put the officer at ease and remove any sense of threat.

9. Officers are people just like the rest of us doing our job.  The more respect you show to an officer the more respect and leniency you will be shown in return.

10. The officer may then take your documents to check your driving record and validation.  If your documents are validated and you’ve behaved amicably, it won’t always matter what your driving record is like. He may let you off with a warning and ask you to be more aware in future.

11. He may also advise you of the original charge you deserve but lower it on the spot (i.e. reduce your speeding charge to a lower speed).

12. If the officer decides to issue you a ticket, just be kind and say thank you.  You will be surprised, but there are still chances he will not file the ticket on his end, or advise the prosecutor to be lenient with you on your trial date.  He will make note of your conduct and behavior during the stop, in order to refresh his memory.  Sooner or later your politeness will pay off.

13.  If you got a traffic ticket, you can always consult a paralegal such as my self who specializes in fighting traffic tickets and appearing in front of the courts.

The diplomatic approach never fails.  At the end of the day we all deserve a break and to be treated with consideration and respect.

I hope you found this to be helpful.  I wish you safe and happy driving.