Reduce The Odds Of Being Ticketed When Pulled Over - Lehto's Law Ep. 3.07

[@bigpitts4466]

Your one of those long story guys,bye bye

[@stevelehto]

You're one of those, "I watched your video all the way through and commented, but still think I pulled one over on the guy who posted the video" guys. Buh-bye!

[@biglebowski923]

I guess you heard about the guy doing 80 in a 55 in his brand new Corvette when he zoomed through a speed trap , he looked back and saw the flashing lights and siren and he pushed it faster from 80 to 100 and then to 12o when suddenly the man thought what am I doing I am not a teenager , I’m to old to act this way so he pulled over and waited for the trooper . The trooper walks up and says look mister it’s Friday I have got 30 minutes before the end of my shift if you can give me a reason for why you were speeding that I haven’t heard before I will let you go . The guy looks up and says “ Well years ago my wife run off with a trooper I was afraid you were him trying to bring her back .” Officer says “ Good day Sir just slow it down.” LOL

[@biglebowski923]

Me and a friend of mine was going fishing one Saturday morning and at an intersection he went through a red light just as it went from green to yellow , cop pulls us over and asked my friend does he know what a yellow light means . My friend right on cue says “ Yes sir it means you need to get your ass under it before it turns red .” Cop busted out laughing and let him go , no warning no nothing.

[@hiccurps]

Neil Grooms That’s a great story. Did you ever watch the You Tube video of Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias talk about when he got pulled over for doing 100 in his suv. If you haven’t you need to it’s hysterical. He made the cop laugh and he let him go with a warning.

[@13magic74]

* you're

[@thomasgronek6469]

(I was pulled over for speeding) The officer said to me; " I've been waiting for you all day " ,,, my reply; " I got here as quickly as I could " He let me go.

[@smokesgtp]

That's fantastic

[@dixiechampagne2892]

Wow, one with a sense of humor...hee-larious

[@mudpuddle8805]

Seriously lol!

[@gabriel.954]

Thank you!! This is great advice. I'm an officer in Florida and 99% of the time I can't see who I'm pulling over - despite people claiming "cuz I'm black, chinese, or whatever." But one thing for sure, I have no idea how you're going to react. Are you going to bail out and run, shoot me, scream, cry, complain, cooperate, warrants, suspended license, etc. Dark tint and glare and reflections, I may not know how many are in your car either so yes, I'm nervous just like you. I RARELY write tickets, usually just give a warning if your paperwork, license is in order and your respectful the same way I am towards you. As long as you didn't cause an accident or almost kill someone, I would definitely just give a warning if you follow Lehto's advice here.

[@tazeauditorslaughlikehell5763]

But what if I'm traveling and not driving. Seriously though,cops here light your car up with spotlights,like it's day time.

[@michaelpitcher733]

@@tazeauditorslaughlikehell5763 That's protocol for some departments, to turn on all the lights. Plus...have you ever looked into those lights? They are blinding even in the daylight...they know this...making it difficult for you to see if you want to be troublesome. The other possibility, 1 switch (MASTER SWITCH) turns everything on, and it easier and faster to deal with than 10+/- different switches.

[@robertjackson9601]

Gabriel A. Thanks for your service.

[@Patch207]

Last time I was stopped, the trooper turned his lights on, I turned on my hazards to indicate compliance. I drove a short while, around a bend and along a straight-a-way. Near the end of the straight-a-way I pulled to the shoulder of the highway and as Steve suggests I put my tires near the grass to give plenty of room to stand. One of the first questions the officer ask was why I kept driving even though I had my hazards on and I explained: my hazards let you know I saw you and will pull over. I kept driving to find a straight portion of road to stop at the end of so traffic has time to see us and either move over or slow down and I wanted to find a place with no guide rail so I could pull over more so you wouldn't stand so close to the traffic. He looked behind us, looked at me, appeared more relaxed and said 'Thank You'. I told him I've had a few close calls myself as a paramedic at accident scenes, didn't want to see him hurt. He ran my information, told me to slow down and let me off with a warning. I told him to remain safe out there, have a good day and enjoy his time off. This time a smile and a thanks.

[@johnk8825]

As a retired LEO, these are excellent suggestions and guidelines. Politeness and courtesy gets the benefit of the doubt (usually), though I'll admit some LEOs seem less than human. I am still amazed at the number of people I pulled over and had no intention of issuing a citation but their actions often before I got to their window, convinced me they needed some attitude adjustment. I hated writing tickets but people like this could make it enjoyable. And as Steve mentioned do not be memorable. I once wrote a ticket for reckless driving and in court for some reason the defense attorney had his client testify as to what he was actually doing prior to being stopped. Later the prosecution asked me if I recognized the defendant, being completely honest I said no, because he gave me no reason to remember him from 6 months earlier. The judge said because the officer could not identify the defendant I would normally find him not guilty but based on the defendant's own testimony, I find him guilty.

[@wayneaustin5533]

I usually start of by saying "You work for me MF'er" So far the results are poor, but I'm not a quitter.

[@johnstraub7494]

I know just what you mean about that first contact with police during a traffic stop. I have been pulled over multiple times for speeding. Now, being upfront, I was a cop in the military and a civilian cop working for the Navy. I have 39 years experience. I am now retired. Key word, "retired". In every instance I got stopped, I did exactly what you did. pull over as far to the right as I could, open my window, hands at 2 & 10 on the wheel. At night, turned on my dome light. When the various officers approached. I was "yes sir/ma'am or no sir/ma'am" Your temperament, is key in that first contact with a traffic cop. Show respect, and you get respect. Same goes for being polite and provide documentation when asked. I have been able to avoid speeding tickets since I was 20, so for almost 48 years now. YOUR actions and how you treat that officer will be a major factor in how that stop will end. Hey, you might still get a ticket, but the officer has the discretion, to lower your speed lowering the possible fine you may be subject to. He may decide to just give you a written warning or a verbal warning. The chances for a positive outcome for you will be greatly improved if you treat the officer with the same respect you want.

[@Android3236]

@Steve Lehto from all of us in law enforcement, I thank you so much for taking your time to make a traffic stop safe and taking your time to inform everyone on how to make a traffic stop safe and smooth. I would not have issued a ticket also.

[@hotsoup1001]

Aegist I've been wanting to ask someone in law enforcement if they've had any encounters with those "sovereign citizen" people. Kind of wish Steve would do a episode about them. For some reason I think he probably has some opinions on them. lol.

[@ch.3569]

​@ATCkeepsUsafe The odds of you encountering a rouge cop that is trying to frame you is about the same of you hitting the lotto 2 weeks in a row. Its mainly a thing made up by TV and movies. And when they do find a cop planting evidence or doing dirty shit it usually has to do with detectives or task forces focus on specific individuates there trying to catch not some random joe on a traffic stop. So unless your a FBI for major drug trafficking or racketeering calm down.

[@JayeHopp]

Being respectful to ANY person in their workplace is a great way to guarantee good service. Police are no different. Great video.

[@lesgarten]

Officer: Sir, do you know why I pulled you over today? Me: You thought maybe I had Doughnuts?

[@soldat2501]

As a former cop - this guy is 100% correct. Just the steps he took, as he described them put me at ease and I wouldn't write him a ticket. If he was cool in the car with the dialogue, at most he'd have got was a written warning from me. Probably a verbal warning if it was raining. His answers were spot on too. Be polite, don't admit guilt. Narrate what you're doing - sudden movements and fiddle-farting around in your car, to include rocking the car as you move around, arouse suspicion - are not going to be well received by the officer. I kind of deviate from his anonymous theory. While it's not wrong, and if you follow what he says, exactly what he says will happen. You'll get a break along with everyone else who is anonymous. However, I've seen officers, including myself, agree to even better reductions if they know the person. You lose nothing if you do the following: If s/he still writes you a ticket, be polite, and thank him/her. Look over the ticket and say, "May I ask you a question?" The cop will say yes of course, so ask a basic question or two to show concern. My favorite was once a guy asked me, "IS this the court date (pointing to the date)?" I'd said yes, and the guy said, "Ok, I'll probably go and ask for a fine reduction if you're ok with that." He got me! What else could I say but, "That's cool, I have no problem with that." Now you're creating rapport for later. Some cops, especially State Troopers, write 50-100 tickets or more a month but they'll remember you because of the rapport. I certainly remembered this guy and he even came up to me and offered his hand. At this point, you can ask for a re-write or point reduction and the cop may agree because s/he remembered you. I agreed to both! And the guy was going like 20 over. He talked me into agreeing to a $150 fine reduction and rewriting to a no-point non-moving violation "careless operation". I think he paid $50, no points.

[@darnation8650]

My dad taught me all of that stuff when i first got my license 36 years ago, and i've always followed it. It never got me off of a speeding ticket (but it did get me off another, perhaps more serious ticket, about that later). Not one time, but at least half of the time, it did get me a reduced ticket. Which on the over 20's was important. One time driving down the I75 in north Florida i was zoned out and wasn't watching for speed traps. So the limit went from 75 down to 55 while i was oblivious. Was a long day of driving. So when the trooper pulled me over i was doing 22 over the limit, instead of 2. Pulled over immediately, hands on the wheel, etc. Asked permission to get my docs when asked for, the whole thing. The officer became very friendly and when he came back to the car after running my license, he told me that even though he had me on radar he was reducing the ticket to 6 over from 22 so the ticket would cost less and give me minimum points on my driving record. I count that as a success. Another time after a long day of work, i left some expensive equipment at a job site. It just so happened that the next day i was flying out of the country for a job overseas for 6 months, and my insurance expired that night at midnight. I was fine with that since i would take a taxi to the airport the next morning. As i was falling asleep just after midnight i realized i had left an expensive generator at the work site. Jeez, i had to go get it. So i got up and drove to the site and got the thing. Minutes after leaving, i was pulled over. I knew there was drug activity in that area late at night, and the officer probably thought it was suspicious if he saw me leave the jobsite. I did the stop protocol which i could tell put the officer at ease. It also became apparent that he was mostly interested in what was in my van since it was an unmarked panel van and had no windows in back. Now, i know my rights and i know i could make this stop a huge hassle for the officer by not giving consent. I kind of made it a negotiation with the officer. I told him up front i didnt have insurance now because it literally expired 20 minutes earlier and told him why. I told him i had nothing to hide and was happy to let him look in back, but please don't give me a ticket as i was flying out of the country at 7 am the next morning. I showed him my plane ticket and itinerary. He didn't commit, but he said we would see after looking in back. So i turned the overhead lights on in back, then told him i was coming out so i could unlock the back door for him (the automatic lock wasn't working on the back door). Anyway, i opened the door and even offered to jump in back and open any cases he wanted to look into. It was just tools and equipment back there. When he saw what was back there he went from friendly but a bit cool and reserved, to very friendly. I apologized profusely for not having valid insurance, but told him it would have been irresponsible for me to leave such an expensive thing behind. He said, no problem, you're free to go, but don't drive again after i get back to my place until i have insurance. Big win.

[@timothyraley1140]

I am a former officer firefighter emt All at the same time be nice n be respectfull put the officer at ease I love your videos im dissabled now from a tractor accident while bushogging a field in 2018 im spending time on u tube alot lately I enjoy your talks

[@gregm8871]

I can attest that respect goes a long way. A couple years ago I was driving in Pacific Grove, CA and got pulled over for failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign, yes the 'California Roll', and when the office approached my car I already had the windows don't and hands in plain view. He said 'good morning' to me and I returned with 'good morning sir', to which he said back immediately 'You called me sir, you're already scoring points here'. I was honest in stating that I hadn't made a complete stop so I got off with a warning. We talked for minute after that, and he told me he let me go because I was both honest and showed him respect. HJe said lots of people become immediately insulting in the speech when pulled over and he wants to reward good behavior and honesty. Good thing he didn't check my trunk and find the corpse in there .....Just kidding

[@benjiebarker]

these are better tips than being a problem and saying "am i being detained, am i free to go", and wasting everyone's time. this advice makes more sense.

[@scottjohnson5132]

I agree with almost all of this. I do these things EVERY time, and have been able to get out of the vast majority of potential tickets. The one thing that I have done different is with the window. When the officer is making first contact, make sure the window is down. If it is raining or frigid cold, roll up the window when the officer goes back to his car, but keep your eyes on the mirror. When the officer gets out of the car to come back, roll the window back down before they get to you.

[@felixf5211]

I've followed the advice in the video since I started driving 40 years ago. I got tickets until my mid-'40s. For the last ten years, no tickets. Age seems to be a firm determinent.

[@chrisp.kernel9155]

This is such valuable information. I was going 87 in a 65 and couldn't provide proof of insurance (I had insurance but it just got renewed so the card was on my desk). I was polite, respectful and complied with everything the officer asked slowly and meticulously. Basically the same stuff in the video. I ended up getting a ticket for going 3 over and nothing else. He just said slow down and put your insurance card in your glove box. Because of my safe driving points saved up, it didn't even go on my driving record. I know I'm late but thanks for making this video.

[@beachbum4166]

In Washington state you will get a ticket each time you are pulled over. My last ticket was for 3 miles per hour over. 38 in a 35. It is a police state in Washington. I had more tickets there than I can count but I haven't gotten a ticket in 12 years since I left the state.

[@jasonchenoweth5448]

I agree 100% with you!! I believe that there are more police in that state than anywhere in the US, LOL. Not kidding. Took me forever to get out of the court system in that state, but once I did, I moved! Since then, it's been like 12 years, and I've been pulled over a number times in that 12 years, but have received only ONE ticket since then, ONE. It was for an illegal lane change, which i was guilty of. Officer was polite, explained why, ticketed me and let me go on my way. Went to court, explained to the judge that I was in a hurry, I did make a mistake and apologized. The judge explained why it was illegal (which i already knew) and how it was dangerous. I listened quietly until he was finished. Stated that it wouldn't happen again. Judge thanked me for being polite and not interrupting, believed it was a mistake and dropped the ticket from 175, to 75 dollars,which i paid that day . Judge even asked if I needed more time to pay the fine. I'm glad I have moved from Washington state, and that's the only ticket I've had in 12 years since leaving!!

[@steveterry7222]

I live in Seattle. No matter where you are in this state you will be ticketed. Unless you live in the San Juan or Vashon Islands and know the officer.

[@russlockard2699]

24 years as a police officer. This is SOUND advice

[@Dennster2005]

Thank you for your service!

[@cruiser1398]

True advise. Years ago when I was a kid I gave a cop a real hard time when I got stopped and whatever he wrote on the ticket I couldn't get out of it no matter what and I since learned to be respectful and make their job as easy as possible. That was 40 years ago. I have a Class A commercial drivers license and the few times I have been stopped, I either got no ticket, or I got the officer to change it to a no point (disregarding a traffic control device) to protect my license. Most cops are human just like us and just want to be treated with respect and it works. Thanks for the great content Steve!

[@rickkay9548]

Another thing about being polite is if the cop remembers you as such, he will purposely not show up to court so you default and win. I was stopped in the rain and purposely drove a little further than I should have to stop under and overpass. He stopped behind me and when approached, I immediately said "sorry for taking a bit longer to stop, but in this storm I thought this bridge could cover you like you do for us" - immediately he thanked me and let me off with a warning and that was that. I could see the appreciation in his eyes.

[@rjstegbauer]

Awesome advice! Being polite and considerate and ask permission to move...without giving up your rights.

[@mjdu38]

Great video. I've been a road warrior for 30 years. And I can attest to your advice. I have always responded pretty much as you recommend. The only difference is when I've been really flying, the first thing out of my mouth was, "boy, you really got me". Only once it didn't result in a laugh from the officer (he threw the book at me but it was reduced when I went to court)... about half the time I was given a warning and the other half the ticket was written for only 5 over. Your strategy works

[@petsur]

Something similar happened to me. Was on my motorcycle and was going an actual 100 mph to get away from a car that was driving erratically. It was night in the mountains and out of nowhere there was a car 6” off my ass. I backed off the throttle and his lights came on. I pulled over convinced I was going to jail. I was convinced I would lose my job. When he walked up I said “I sure the heck didn’t see you!” Long story short, I gave him my info and he said if I check out, I’d be on my way. 2 minutes later he got out, handed me my papers and said have a nice night. OMG, that is the ONLY time I was ever let go without a ticket. I am always respectful, hands on the wheel, I do everything mentioned in this video, but ALWAYS get a ticket. Normally it’s in a remote desert area where the cops job is revenue generation imo.

[@kasdfg776]

Excellent advice ! I drove for a living for many years, and law enforcement will appreciate you looking out for their safety with 0% attitude. Even if they start out with att. themselves, the last guy they stopped may have been a real a**hole. That happens, too.

[@tailu9719]

I am a police officer and I let go so many cooperative driver so many time because of this. make my job much easier.

[@PghGameFix]

Good advice. Thanks. The lase ticket I got out of, I was armed. I had cash to buy a motorcycle a a dealership, and was not it in the best town. I got pulled over for expired registration. In PA, they transfer the plate when you buy a new truck, and may not renew the registration, although they are supposed to. I pulled over into a gas station, and kept my hands 10 and 2. The female officer asked if I knew why I was being pulled over, I said "No". She said my plat was expired, but I responded... "This truck is only a few months old... How?" Obviously at that point, we both knew. She asked for my registration, and license. I reached into my wallet, and gave her my license, and gun permit. She responded with... "Oh. Are we armed today?" I said, "yes, because I had cash for the Honda Dealer." She asked me where it was, and I told her it was on my right hip. Then she said to me... "How about this... you keep yours in your holster, and I'll keep mine in mine." I said... "I wouldn't have it any other way." When she came back, she said... "Make sure to update your registration, and have a nice day." (no ticket) Being polite, and honest really does work.

[@wanted-33]

As an old LEO I will say Steve has given you very good advise. So pay close attention to what he says in this video, and you may not get a ticket. One more tip from me, when you ask or advise the Officer that you are going to move in some way to get your license, registration, etc. do not make quick or jerky moves. Move in a slow, and deliberate manner. This will keep the Officer at ease, and keep him/her from changing into a defensive position. And as I have always said, if you don't want a speeding ticket.....do not speed. :)

[@lostboi210]

So true i was lit up by a Tx State trooper 2 nights ago.. I smelled of pot but i dont drink i was trying to go sit with my dad n my 3rd brake light was out and i was very deliberate and let her know where my hands where gonna be i also flipped my flashers on an apologized to the trooper nobody wants to have to do their job n theirs is dangerous i got a warning and she was extremely understandable when i said i smoked but i only smoke at home which is where i was coming from...i dont drink i have no warrants oh

[@TimothyOBrien1958]

I’ve told all my friends to do this. In the past 10 years since I work up and realized that respect matters, I’ve been stopped for stupid things like head and taillights. One time I got stopped for “running a red light” (it was yellow). I was very respectful. I did all the things you said (long before I saw this video) and he let me go and complimented me on how I handled the stop. BTW, I put all the windows down. If they asked me why I thought they stopped me (I only speed on highways in packs of cars), if I don’t know, I’ll say honestly that I don’t. Since it’s a light, I am being honest. One time, late at night, heading for the gym (24-hour gym), I saw a car coming toward me at about 200 meters distance and it seemed as if its high beams were on. I flicked my high beam switch a couple of times. They flashed back. It was a cop. His high beams weren’t on, but his lights were very bright. I thought nothing of it until he pulled a U-Turn. I did my usual “stop dance” and expected him to let me go after running my info. Asshole (Rook) wrote me a ticket, announcing it was a non-moving violation. Well, in NJ, the insurance company an up your rates even for a non-pointed violation. It was also a $50 ticket. I looked it up as soon as I saw him leave. It’s NJ 39:3-60. Look it up. He said to me flashing high beams was a safety issue and illegal. I said little, but I did ask why the switch was there to flash high beams if it was illegal? I pointed out that he had done it too. When I read the section, I realized it had nothing to do with flashing high beams. It did mention “prolongation”. I asked all my cop friends what they thought. None of them would have written that ticket. They think the officer looked at the title of the section and never read it, or never understood it. I found a case in the Court of Appeals that said the section had nothing to do with flashing high beams. I fought it. They dropped the case. It was the one time my Stop Dance didn’t work. It should have but didn’t. I was pissed. But I did win. To all those who want to point out the reason I don’t get tickets is because I’m white, well, you’re full of crap. Respect matters in most cases. My friend in that department laughed and said he was a Rookie and really over-eager. He knew that the officer was read the riot act over that one.

[@jonnywatts2970]

I just got pulled over 2 weeks ago. No valid license and no insurance. I admitted as much imediatly when he walked up. This is the 3rd time in as many months. I've gotten all charges dismissed and the third one he didn't even ticket me. He said I'm leaving. Do what you want. I was a few miles from home, had just picked up dinner for the family, and was just driving home after work. I drove home and have since gotten license renewed and car insured. Awesome stater!

[@DavidsTutorials]

Thank you , Steve, for putting out a video with this approach. There are so many vids on YT that advocate being a jerk to a police officer, and I never agree with those. My position: A police officer's job is hard enough as it is. I don't want to add to their difficulty. I'd rather have them save their focus and irritation for other people - preferably those who commit offenses far more severe than breaking the speed limit. To what you said above, I would add to consider your own "presentation." Are you well-groomed, well-spoken, and polite? Contrast how you would react to this if you were a cop, with how you would react to someone who is dirty, slovenly, tattooed and pierced, and rude. There is a good chance you are setting yourself up - either way. Of course, the biggest piece of good advice for anyone and everyone is that if you don't want to get stopped by the cops, then don't break any laws. Might not work all the time, but it will almost all the time.

[@bigbert2508]

This video worked perfectly for me today and I did not get a ticket for 52 in a 40. When I looked at him and told him I was going to reach back for my wallet he said thank you for telling me that.

[@moodiblues2]

I’m a retired Florida Prosecutor and Judge and I always enjoy and learn something from your fine videos. This is excellent advice in my experience. I’ve never been ticketed in Florida since 1980. I do very similar things that you advise. I’ve always told people who ask how to react to an officer, that, “…you don’t spit into the wind, you don’t pull on Superman’s cape, you don’t pull the mask off the ole Lone Ranger…” and you obey the police. If they misbehave, you deal with it officially when you’re not on the street and vulnerable.

[@shawnperkins8789]

I absolutely REFUSE to pull over along side the road especially in daylight (the red and blues aren't near as noticable to oncoming traffic) I'll pull in the driveway of some Random house before I pull off the side of the road. I've been doing it like this for years now and I've been thanked more than once for doing so. They take notice and appreciate it. And I appreciate not getting a ticket lol. And I always tell the truth the first time I'm asked. If they ask if I'm aware of how fast I was going, which I usually do, I'll own up to it. A few years ago I very stupidly put myself in a situation where I should have gone to jail but because I was honest with the officer the FIRST time he asked me, I went home that night. He even told me, no one has ever admitted to what I did on the first shot in his career. Honesty in and of itself shows a certain level of respect and I've yet to find an officer where that is lost on them.

[@sur-real3416]

You must have some kind of luck, admitting your guilt is exactly what they want so it's that much easier to give you that ticket and let it stick. You don't have to be self incriminating to be honest, And not self incriminating, is not dishonesty.

[@silasthornblood9038]

I travel for work all the time and I had a 5 hour round trip ahead of me. I was going 80 in a 55, I told him I was sorry and thought I was going 65... I fully cooporated, he wrote me the ticket for 65 and told me to be safe. I was so relieved cause he could have taken me to jail and if I had gotten a ticket for even 1 more mile over the speed limit I would have lost my job.

[@DowntownCanon]

I asked the friend of a friend who's a cop how to get a break. He said a lot of it depends on what kind of day they are having.

[@thegarage5919]

Absolutely 100% true. I was pulled a couple of years ago on my way out of town for a vacation. I did everything mentioned above. When he asked why I was speeding I truthfully told him I was going to load some items and head to the beach for a well earned vacation. Shortly he comes back and tells me to slow it down and have a great vacation. Done.

[@dennismaxey1608]

Steve in my 30 years of Law Enforcement you gave the best information I had ever heard. You would have to have been going 100 for me to write you a ticket. The tickets that are hard to write are the ones where people act just like I would if I were stopped....Thanks

[@sellison2192]

I conceal carry or at least have one in my truck. I have followed this procedure for 25yrs. Now when I have a gun I say to the officer as soon as he gets to the window "sir for your information and safety I have a firearm in the vehicle" then I follow instructions from there. I believe this has gotten me out of a few tickets.

[@robpetersen6584]

Mr. Lehto, you are 100% correct! As a former LEO I can tell you that being nice to the officer greatly increases your chance of driving away with a warning instead if a ticket. Many people out there talk themselves into a ticket that they likely would have driven away without. I was a county cop, my brother was a state trooper, and his famous quote to the jerks out there was "I was only going to give you a warning, but I'm not going to stand out here and hold court on the side of the road, so now you'll now be able to take it to the judge." Several years ago I was driving on an interstate freeway, cruise control set at the 70 mph limit. I exited that highway and entered another, where the limit was only 55. Unknowingly, and in deep conversation with my passenger making me less aware, I simply hit the resume and was again cruising along 15 mph over the limit. Long story short, the officer wrote me up, and when he returned and began to give the the usual instructions about signing was not an admission of guilt, etc., I said "Yeah, I know I used to stand on your side of the window" after a little questioning about that comment, and me handing the ticket book back to him, I wished him a nice and safe evening. He looked surprised and said "I'm sorry I gave you a ticket." I chuckled and said "So am I, but why?" his reply was "because you're a nice guy." A little more talk about rude, obnoxious and down right a-hole drivers ensued and he walked away in I think a better mood than he was before and I had a great story, even though I didn't get off that time.

[@becoolokay4209]

I agree! I don't get pulled over often, yet when i do, i always leave with no ticket. Once got stopped in VA, on my way back to NC from Illinois. I got stopped because of my tinted windows. Hazard lights came on instantly, pulled all the way over, keys out, handbrake up, windows down, hands on wheel. Of course they searched the car; even had a half of a joint in cigarette box, and more in the armrest. I gave all my papers and remain calm. Even told them where the bud was at. after about 20 minutes, i was back on the highway, no ticket and still had all my bud. Its all about how you conduct yourself during the stop!!!

[@jamessvaglic4096]

I stopped a person for running a stop sign. I gave him a ticket. He stated he knew a judge and would not have to pay it. I made a note of it on the ticket. The judge was pissed and made him pay.

[@curelable]

Traffic tickets are money makers for many departments. This income is often budgeted in to their operating expenses. They have to write tickets. Judges and prosecutors are in on it.

[@johnjriggsarchery2457]

The last time I was pulled over. I told the officer, "You caught me fair and square, I accept the ticket you're going to write." She let me off with a warning.

[@hanskinslo326]

You made her job easier, so she made your day a little easier!

[@Wifeybooo]

I'd read one of your articles about this years ago and took the advice to heart. Although I don't get pulled over often, I have never been ticketed since implementing this advice. Thanks!

[@d.peters6075]

EVERYTHING YOU SAID is SPOT ON! When you make yourself less of a threat by doing the things you mentioned, we who wear uniforms (or used to in my case) will feel slightly more safe. We can NEVER feel completely safe, but it does change the dynamic somewhat. Hit "read more" to read my the rest for more critical information. Yes, once the officer spins around on you and lights you up, immediately acknowledge with a right signal or hazard lights. This will tell the officer you see them. Also, if at night, immediately turn on the dome light so he/she can see inside the car for movement before you event stop. As said, pull over where the officer will have a "safety zone" and not straddle the line. Put your hands at 10 and 2 after opening the window all the way and WAIT for the officer. DO NOT start moving around/laying down in the car...there is plenty of time to get your documents after making contact with the officer. Agreed, always tell the officer where your stuff is BEFORE reaching for it. If you are going to keep driving a few feet to get to a side street is when the hazard lights are especially noteworthy. Hazard lights are subconsciously associated with safety (as in warning of a hazard and to stay clear but in this case, to advise the car is not going to be operated in a traditional way...i.e. broke down, etc.) As you continue to drive, you are telling them that you are going to stop...but at a "safer" place. HERE IS WHERE IT IS IMPORTANT...IF YOU CARRY ON A CPL/CCW....NEVER MOVE TO REACH WITHOUT THE OFFICER KNOWING YOU ARE CARRYING AND WHERE IT IS. FOR EXAMPLE...this is me on the stop as the one pulled over. All the things Mr. Lehto said, but now we are at the point of ID/reg/insurance which is always in the fiest few seconds of the stop once the officer has accessed the scene on approach and initial contact. In my personal case, my wallet is in a cargo pocket on my right thigh (thanks back problems.) My documents are in a "car valet" in the drivers door pocket. My gun is on my left hip. So, now its my time to act/speak and I say to the officer "Just to let you know, I am a CPL holder and am carrying. My gun is on my left hip, my wallet is in my right thigh cargo pocket and my documents are in the door pocket of my door." THEN I STOP AND WAIT FOR THE RESPONSE and react accordingly. Now, in most cases, the right hand will get the wallet with the left one still on the wheel and the left will then in a separate moment get the documents. However, it might be necessary to open the door slightly if the "car valet" slid to a point I cannot reach it without getting near the weapon with the "then unseen hand." In that case, I state this and ask to be allowed to open my door for their safety so that my hand will be in sight and away from my side when I get the documents. They will either say just grab it or yeah go ahead, or step back slightly to enable the door to open and tell you to open the door, depending on how safe they feel they are. BUT NEVER ASSUME IN EITHER CASE. In 26 years in public safety, I've been on thousands of traffic stops and been the receiver of many, too. Honesty and courtesy are almost always going to get you much further with the officer's mercy than lying, playing games or being a jerk (or having anti-cop bumper stickers on your car.) BAD COP NO DONUT is never a good message to send to the officer before they make contact with you. No matter how funny that may be to people.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'd advise viewers who use OC or have a CCW research Massad Ayoob. Ayoob, a sworn LE officer, court expert, tactics instructor, has a good video on traffic stops. His points are good. I would wait for the trooper or police to ask me about guns/weapons then answer yes with my valid CCW license 😉. If the cop or trooper has a DV or bodycam unit, you look much better than a screaming nutcase with a concealed gun who the cop pulls a sidearm on. Stay calm, do not jerk around, avoid any aggressive behaviors. I'd add that Handgunlaw.us is very helpful.

[@brianrobertson1211]

I have a radical theory about how to avoid tickets and potential accidents. Obey traffic laws. Be cautious and courteous. So far it's worked for me for 40 years.

[@sur-real3416]

I have to agree, that is way too radical an idea. 👍😂😂

[@ttankie]

I've been let off more than I've been ticketed due to courtesy.

[@ArthurBrinkman-c5z]

I was driving 107 mph on I-5 in California. During my slow down the very nice officer caught me on radar at 95 mph. I saw the offers lights come on turned on my turn signal pulled off the fwy onto an exit. Did everything this guy said to do. When the officer asked me if I knew why he stopped me I said : I think I have a good idea. He asked for my license and registration. I had my license out before he came to the car and my registration and proof of insurance clipped to the visor. He was very polite and was easy to talk to. After he ran my info he came back to my car and said : Thank you for being HONEST with me, I've reduced the ticket from 95 to 85 in a 65 mph zone. He could have taken me to jail and impounded the car. With the reduction the fine was only $295.00 and I can get it dismissed by on line traffic school so I won't get a point on my license or an increase in my amount for car insurance. I recommend follow this guy's advice and be honest. Worked for me. You may not be able to talk your way out of a ticket. But you sure can talk yourself into one. Especially if you're an ass.

[@kfstreich4787]

Growing up in CA I have seen this often, I believe if you're close they'll get you within 15mph to stay within the lowest violation

[@mister_dave1184]

Definitely can't take you to jail for just the speed, common misconception.

[@andrerobichaud]

I really enjoyed your video. I am a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police who did write my share of tickets and what you said is bang on!

[@joejassydowningeorgia]

Good advice. I have a rule I have used for 30 years. If the violator gives me an excuse I never heard or if they have the same birthdate as mine, I won't write a ticket. This has happened 2 times.

[@DetachaplePenis]

🤢🤢🤢

[@calvinthedestroyer]

So it's a Lottery system......

[@rickuyeda4818]

I stopped a Honda driven by a Honda mechanic who was road testing a car he had just worked on. He was doing 55 in a 40. I asked him if he knew why I stopped him? He said, "Speeding". I asked him how fast he was going? He said, "55". I told him to slow down and have a good day. He asked, "Aren't you going to give me a ticket?". I said, "No. Most people lie to me. I can afford to let the honest ones go".

[@rontiemens2553]

You were the 1 out of 100. The other 99 times an admission like that will get you the ticket no matter how nice you are resulting in gravy for the cop.

[@michaelpitcher733]

Nice job Officer Uyeda! See people...there *ARE GOOD POLICE OFFICERS* on the roads. Just *DON'T* treat them like they are the enemy. This officer wants to keep the roads safe for all, doesn't like being lied to, and expects the same respect he will give you! 1 in 100...maybe, I don't think it's that bad...but of all the times I was stopped at a younger age...HAHAHA...I SHOULD HAVE HAD A LOT MORE TICKETS!!!

[@TheMinecraftACMan]

Got pulled over in a company van once on the freeway. Next exit was a whole mile down the road. Blinker on, take the exit, pull into the first parking lot available. Cop flips his lights off and drives off. I don't know what he was even going to say, maybe he got a more important call or something.

[@Bildad1976]

I got pulled over recently and the cop asked me why I was going so fast. I began to tell him that my daughter had to be at an event, but in my head I heard myself sounding like some loser giving an excuse for (i.e. trying to justify) doing wrong. My dad taught me, and I've taught my children, don't give excuses for bad behavior. I cut myself off in mid sentence and said "No officer, there's no excuse for speeding". No ticket.

[@sur-real3416]

Excellent! Someone actually taking ownership of their responsibility, and being honest. Took me many years to figure out sometimes lying is better about some things. But I have to agree excuses excuses I'm sure you realize as well as the cop that he's heard it all before, but when you were truthful, that's what made the difference. None of us are beyond making mistakes, it would seem only few of us are honest, and honorable enough to admit it. 👍🙏

[@ArchilochusOfParos]

You're basically articulating an intelligent and decent way to live, constantly, everywhere. Show everyone respect, empathy, and consideration, and most people will generally respond in kind.

[@Philthos]

You've described most of my car stop experiences. For the most part if you can get the officer to metaphorically take off the uniform and deal with you as a human being, most of them are pretty decent people. Even had one incident that could have been a real pain in the rear. My inspection sticker was about 2 months expired and I rarely ever put the registration stickers on my plate. In my defense this was because living in a big city at the time, stickers were often stolen off plates or the corner of the plate itself would be snipped off for the sticker. Anyway, had pulled up at the airport to offload luggage on the way to a flight for New Orleans for Mardi Gras with my dad. Was aggressively unloading baggage (beads, suitcases, costumes, a lot of stuff) when a cop on foot came out of nowhere. The conversation that ensued took only about 20 seconds and went without skipping a beat. I never even stopped unloading. Officer: Do you know your inspection sticker is expired? Me: (enthusiastically) Yes sir. Officer: (looks at plate): And your registration sticker too? Me: (still enthusiastically): Yes sir. Oficer: From 1994? (It was 1998) Me: Yes sir. Oficer: Why is that? Me: (with a shrug of the shoulders) I've been busy! Officer: (Just laughs and walks away) Humanity and humor go a LONG way!

[@BJHester]

I accidentally began listening to you today. I was watching another video of a lady named Laurie Garrett being interviewed by a reporter with Epoch news. Anyway, when the interview ended, I was slow in shutting off the KZbin feed and you began automatically playing, The segment you did is the one where you talk about the hazards of driving with lots of cash on you. The Civil Confiscation law, or something like that. LOL Anyway, I listened to your segment and enjoyed it. So much so, that when your next segment started playing - I watched that one as well. This one was about how to make the officer who is pulling you over in a traffic stop more at ease, and make them feel safe. I said all that, to say this - I subscribed. And I don't do that very often. You might be the second or third. I subscribed because you gave great information in both segments and you did it without boring the crap out of me. Great job! I look forward to listening to you again.

[@mikerichards1498]

Magnificent. Outstanding. Simple instructions that may not always discourage an officer from issuing a ticket, but it will likely defuse a potentially disastrous situation. And common courtesy is always good for all parties involved.

[@drexellake4051]

Thanks Steve. Info like this used to be common sense. So rare nowadays that it's considered a superpower.

[@MrClaimbuster]

Pulled over in OK for speeding. Doing 85 in a 70. I’m a CCW carrier and I put my hands at 10-2 then announced that I’m carrying. I do this Irrespective if required or not. After I made my announcement i asked him what HE wanted to do. He asked where I had it. I said it was under my right elbow in a holster on my belt. He said “Well ok, I’ll tell you what, if you don’t show me yours, I won’t show you mine”. I cracked up. We proceeded to the license, registration and insurance phase. I did not get a ticket and when it was all over he thanked me for handling the gun situation so professionally. Learned a long time ago, being macho during a traffic stop costs you money, no way around it.

[@AvgDan]

Are you from TX? lol

[@Anonymous99997]

I heard of someone that, when pulled over, would, along with his drivers license, flash a Monopoly “Get Out of Jail” card and jokingly say “ I guess this won’t do any good?” He said it broke the ice and worked every time.

[@alfredmorency8296]

I've been handling being pulled over this way for decades some of it I picked up from experience and some from police officers I've known, and it does work. One thing I used to do wrong was getting my wallet and registration out before the officer arrived, they see your movements and wonder if you're hiding something.

[@matthewbibbs9793]

Steve! I used these just today and they worked 100%!

[@killyourtelllievision]

You must have read the book "A Speeder's Guide to Avoiding Tickets" by former NY State Tropper, James Eagan because everything you describe here is following his advice to the letter. A cop has two things to be concerned about, his fear and his ego. Feed one and eliminate the other and you'll probably have a positive outcome which in my 60 years (tomoro) of life, I have used his Wisdom to survive dozens of stops in CDL-A, MC and personal vehicles and emerged victorious 95% of the time. YOUR ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING so have a good one if you hope to not help buy a new cruiser for the jurisdiction pulling you. I've had several cops tell me that I'm the first person in months or even years they've pulled over and not given a ticket or even a warning and as a matter of fact, I got stopped in MO on I-70w in 2016 for 86 in a 70 in a rented Jetta and expressed my concern for the four point dinger on my CDL which he told me he writes them as he sees them, however, by the time the trooper and I parted ways, we were literally mutually respected military Veterans and he said to me, "Adam (I asked him please don't call me sir as I was in the service but not an officer), your attitude is perfect. Absolutely perfect. First person I've pulled over and not written in over a year. You pulled right over, had your seatbelt on, put me at ease from the very start and didn't gimme any BS, lies or try to insult my intelligence and for that, I don't have the heart to write you, BUT, slow down in MO cause I may be looking at eastbound on your way home, and we already know what each other does for a living." Smiling the whole time. Kuulest cop encounter I've ever had.

[@MarkSarg]

100% correct!! Been there, done that....with a ccw.....and permit for same... I told them that I had weapon, where it's at etc..... One NM trooper asked for the gun. I asked, can I clear it first?? He said, go ahead....cleared it, gave him the weapon. After he checked me and the gun out, he came back, handed me my papers and gun...proceeded to thank me....and all I got was a warning.... Why can't people just follow directions??

[@NGinuity]

I got pulled over going through Knoxville a few years ago. I was in a rental and although I didn't know how fast I was going (I was busy paying attention to traffic, no excuse but still), he told me I was doing 70 in a 55. Looks at my license and legit says "I know you're from Texas and our speeds are alien to you but slow it down". Wrote me a warning. Score. Nice guy! I appreciated that because even though he didn't know it was unintentional that particular time, it totally was.

[@billyproctor9714]

Here in Canada if you were to say I don't know or I wasn't paying attention they can add the charge of " Undo Care and Attention" . Gotcha no mater what you say. Thanks for all your efforts. Billy in Canada

[@wallyklou8848]

Billy Proctor ...hi Billy, another Canadian here... I worked in law enforcement for 28 years (retired) while driving to work, in uniform, was stopped by a police constable. We both stepped out of our vehicles and when he saw my uniform, his comment was. “Oh, shit, what do I do Now?” I saw that he was a rookie so I said “ do what you have to do” so he wrote me up while we were sitting in the front seat of his patrol car. Although I was hoping for a warning, I got a speeding citation. At the end, I thanked him and we went on our way....Canada is so much more civilized.🇨🇦.....cheers🍷

[@billyproctor9714]

Thanks Wally, I did a 9 year stint, my service wasn't conducive to married life. And looking at the force today, too civilized, I made the right choice for me. Cheers from Ladysmith.

[@Super6-Four]

@@wallyklou8848 enjoying the insurance hike for the next year?

[@PaulStringini]

A lot of really good advice. But When the officer asks "Do you know how fast you were going?" I always laugh and say, "I did after I saw you!." This has never failed to get me off. I ALWAYS hit the brakes, I like to make sure he sees me REACTING to him. Then I tell the officer that I didn't realize I was speeding until AFTER I saw him, I usually laugh as I tell him , "I saw you, so I checked my speed and saw I was speeding so I hit the brakes." I usually add how I was thinking about something with my kids, or I'll say how I was just enjoying the day and just watching the road. Normal stuff. I think they like the idea that seeing them makes me check my speed and hit the brakes. It says "Respectful Law abiding." Not hitting the brakes requires me to act cool like I didn't know I was speeding, but after you see the cop, even if you were not watching your speed before., he knows you checked it after you saw him because he also know you slowed down, not hitting the brakes is a kind of concealment. All the other advice here is really good, but the part about the brakes and admitting you were speeding is too lawyer-ish. Admitting you were speeding but giving a plausible reason you did not intend to speed along with a decent show of respect for his authority works very well,

[@mikestraub7551]

years ago, i followed your advice, long before i ever saw your video. the only difference was instead of putting my hands on the wheel, i stuck them out the window. it was at night, all interior lights were on, and my hands were outside. he asked why i did that. i said, "i imagine night approaches are fearful and i wanted you to know exactly what you were approaching". he thanked me for my concern and said, "the speed limit on this road is 55. let's keep it that way" and let me go. respect is a two way street.

[@masimmonds1463]

Since you're pulled over to the side of the road I would recommend turning on the 4-way flashers also to add another element of safety for the officer, from his viewpoint.

[@rockslide4802]

Really outstanding advice. I agree, ask permission, no sudden moves. AND, tell your passenger to sit still and not reach for anything. I was dating a woman years ago, was stopped for speeding, and trying to be helpful she made a sudden move and opened my glove compartment. I thought I would have a stroke.

[@angelawierda760]

Best advice ever. We as citizens need to do all we can to help officers feel safe as they do their job. Ty Steve for another fabulous video.

[@russelllocke5219]

As a retired LEO, I can tell you that MOST of the time his method will work. BUT when I was a state trooper, we were taught to make our decision to write a ticket, a warning, or an oral warning BEFORE we approached the vehicle. The point was to eliminate 'attitude' tickets. That is to make sure their attitude was not the reason for the ticket but actions prior to the stop. That being said, as I got more experience, I didn't always do as I was taught. And now that I'm retired, I seem to get stopped for speeding from time to time, usually on my motorcycle. The issue now is that I carry a CDL license and there can be no plea bargaining if a ticket is written. So I'm not above pleading for a warning and even using the fact that I'm a retired LEO! So three years ago I received a ticket for 81 in a 70. Young trooper (later told me he had been on the job three weeks!) and was with his training officer. Very difficult situation for both of us. Long story short, I appealed a municipal court conviction to county court and requested a jury trial. I then sat down with the prosecutor and told her that I was sure I could beat the ticket but it would save everyone a lot of time and aggravation if she would just dismiss it. There were a couple hoops but she eventually did just that. Oh, how was I going to beat it? Texas is a Prima Facia speed limit state. Nuf said.

[@billspencer6338]

Sorry, not enough said. What does prima facia speed limit mean?

[@thebigguy]

Never underestimate the power of cooperation with the police officer... My last ticket was almost 30 years ago, and it was well-deserved, but it could have been much worse if I didn't cooperate. The officer clocked me at close to 30 over and for a brief moment I contemplated trying to run, but decided that could end very badly, so I just pulled over before he even had a chance to turn around and try and catch up. He thanked me for just pulling over. He decided he couldn't quite let me off completely, but he did only write me up for 10 over. I have been pulled over a few times since then, mostly for lesser infractions and was let go each time. I have no doubt that being polite and co operational played a part in not being written up.

[@donmichaelcorbin4417]

I concur whole heartedly. As with any everyday, normal interaction (and even more so when that interaction involes a police officer) being polite, repectful, and courteous will go a long way in helping you achieve your desired outcome.

[@JC-11111]

Yep. I got stopped earlier this year while driving on a suspended license at 3am. I handed him my license and it was expired by a year. He asked me about it and I started to act like I didn't know. Mid sentence, I stopped and said no...thats not right. I knew. I was worried about going to jail because I have a suspended license. The state trooper says... Well that's not so bad. You might not even have to go to jail. As long as it's wasn't for DUI, you'll get to go home tonight. He then informs me that only State Troopers are allowed that option in my state. I was FLOORED. Luckily I was almost at the place I was going when he hit the lights so I didn't have to drive anywhere else for another 5 hours. I know for a fact that had I continued with the lying about my license, etc...he would've taken me to jail.

[@renees766]

I was stopped last night; I figured I was likely speeding, but my lights were off. I laughed, partially with relief, told the officer I have auto- lights, but had turned them off while sitting directly in front of a business, so as not to blind them. BTW, I rolled my window down entirely, slight drizzling rain, and put both hands at 10 &2, I forgot the dome light. He asked for license, went back to patrol car, then returned with my license and told me to have a good night.

[@livewire6925]

Last time I was pulled over I did just what you did, only it was daytime. My conversation with the Officer was going great. I Felt He was going to give me a warning. Then out of nowhere My Sweet Wife say's She thinks the officer had set up a speed trap and we were Targeted. I was shocked, and Mad, and at that point the Officer turned silent, went back to his car and wrote me a speeding ticket. The thought that My wife would say something that stupid never occurred to me. She said she was expressing her feelings. We don't drive together much anymore!

[@currentriver4951]

Great advice!!!! I just do everything to keep everyone happy, respect goes a long long ways.....they love to hear yes/no sir or maam goes a long ways

[@steveng8706]

I worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) for over 10 years. Because of my technical duties at the MDOC I attended lectures intended for the Michigan State Police (MSP). This is one of the very best informational videos on what to do when pulled over. If you want a guarantee when pulled over then consider buying a toaster. Otherwise, use Steve Lehto's advice. A traffic cop's world is dynamic, at best. It is constantly changing. Put the cop at ease by following Steve Lehto's advice. At worst you will be ticketed for what the cop caught you doing. At best you will be allowed to be non-detained and simply go home.

[@FlatPlaneCranky]

I am convinced that paying attention to driving per the law will be guaranteed no tickets. I haven’t been pulled over for 20 years. I obey the law to the letter. Paying attention to details and the officer, by law, cannot pull you over. I tell my children the most difficult part of driving, BY FAR, is paying attention.

[@BBear-km7mx]

Was stopped by a Washington Sate Patrolman around midnight. Dark out. I had pulled over, door window down, turned on every light in my Ford F-250 truck, with camper blocking viewing me from other than the front door, hands at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel. When the office approached the front door his first statement was: "Why do you have your hands on the steering wheel like that?" I replied, "It's out of respect for you. You're making a stop late at night/dark and of course have no idea what's going on inside of my vehicle. I wanted you to feel safe when approaching the front door." He told me he clocked me doing 68 mph in a 60 mph zone. I replied I thought it was still the 65 mph limit the signs farther back down the road stated? He asked if I had any weapons in the truck with me (Wyoming license plates, kinda stands to reason I may have), I replied, "No sire, but I do have a rifle in back in the camper." He asked for the standard 3 items they all request. He then asked what was the leather pouch on my left side/on my belt. It is a 5 round shotgun shell leather case - same that some law enforcement agencies use. I told him it was my wallet, that way I don't have to sit on a lumpy billfold. I told him my license was inside and may I get it out? He said yes. He then went and ran the whatevers on his computer. He came back and suggested I keep a better eye on the speed limit signs and have a nice rest of your evening. Politeness never really hurts...

[@hardycoffman6896]

This is spot on! My uncle is a police officer and told me this 20 years ago when I got my license. To that note, I got pulled over last Friday night in Fort Worth, Texas and did all of this. I also have a CCW and was carrying a concealed firearm at the time. I handed the officer my CCW permit with my license and when he verbally confirmed I was carrying, I politely asked if he needed me to present and clear the pistol. He said no and asked the usual where from/where to details. I made a joke about some manual labor I had been doing earlier that day and he laughed. He took my info and I sat with my hands on the wheel while he ran my paperwork. He came back handed me my documents and said be careful and to have a good night. I told him the same and thanked him for his service. No ticket! Just be careful, deliberate and courteous, and let the officer know you want nothing more than the both of you to get home safely at the end of the night. Oh, and a thin blue line sticker in your back window doesn’t hurt either ;)

[@vamp1506]

Last year I had cop pulled me over around 6am in my company truck. I did all the thing respectful thing for office. This office was a jerk. He straight away gave me multiple loaded questions like why are you swerving on the road? Or I would understand if you was on you phone and given you a brake. Trying to get me to admit guilt. I told office I don't know how to answer these questions then he scorn me and threaten to call my company to report my driving if I don't cooperate with him. At the end he gave me a warning, scorn me again (verbally hostile) , mentioned he didn't call my company and let me go. Afternoon my branch boss called me finding out what happened and let me know the cop did call my company. I told boss what happened. He was understanding and told his boss what happened. He mentioned the cop was fishing me and was happy I handle that situation. After that situation I bought dash cam front/cab for my company truck and searching for traffic attorney to have on stand by when this situation happens again so I'm more prepared for the bad apples in police force.

[@albertgomez7722]

I drive 43,000 miles per year. I have been pulled over twice in the last three years. The only thing that I have done differently than you recommend, is that I rolled my window down and placed both of my hands out of the window with fingers spread. The first time, the officer and I made eye contact in my side mirror and he nodded to me to acknowledge that he saw them. The second time, the officer came upon my passenger window and knocked on it. I showed him my hands and lowered that window. Both times, they asked me why I did that. I told them, (the truth), that one of my best friends is a city cop (another city), and another is a state cop and I understand the danger that they go through each and every pull over. Both officers went through the license and reg detail and ran the info, Both. neither gave me a warning or a ticket and thanked me. I kept the politeness that you are talking about. My cop friends both said, that I didn’t get a ticket because I showed my hands and was polite. Honestly, the first pulllover.......I should have been ticketed.

[@craig5477]

72 years as an old guy. Courtesy & respect always gives situations the best odds of going well. Great vid.

[@sur-real3416]

🤯 Good grief! 72 years as an old guy?.... How long were you young? 😅😂

[@xbluebells]

Every high school student should listen to this. Especially African Americans and minorities so that they raise their odds of having no incidents with police officers. I am sending this to loved ones in my life. I always use my most polite and respectful language.... yes sir, yes ma'am.

[@scharpmeister]

Returning here to say I just followed your advice and I swear to god received the same “slow down” warning from the cop as you described it verbatim🤣58 in a 40 so thank you

[@MrBillmedhurst]

Great suggestions! I've had these things work for me and my sons as well. Unfortunately there is an element of society that would rather cause as much grief and discomfort as possible and no matter how good these suggestions are, they're falling on deaf ears, for some. Thanks just the same.

[@Bhos68]

I was pulled over 3 times in one day traveling through Kansas with my sons. 1. Following too close at 20 mph in a 65, 2. License plate frame covering part of the state, 3. Missing hub cap. Not kidding. All three times I did exactly he same thing. Signal, pulled off the shoulder so there was at least an extra lane for the officer on the side to walk, rolled all my windows down, put my keys on the roof, and put our hands out the window. I explained why I did it that way because I have friends who are officers and to show my sons the more comfortable the officers are the better for everyone. Each time they laughed, said thank you, and let me go without an issue or a ticket. These people just want to do their job, and go home to their families. Some are good at it. Some not so much. Like any job, if you make it hard it will be hard.

[@bigbaddms]

haha! That reminds me of my own Kansas story. Brand new Subaru Outback, on a road trip cross-country from LA to Charleston SC. On the way back through KS, get pulled over near Topeka. Since it's a brand new car, there's only a dealer plate, standard in CA. In fact you don't even get your plates for months. Officer says that not only was he in his rights to impound the car, but he could ARREST us too! Apparently it's a high crime in KS to not have a plate. After pleading ignorance, which was true, he let us off with 'only' a citation. So nice not to arrest us!

[@dandcarter]

@steve smith : What? Stole $20K? Why didn't the victim phone the police immediately? Oh...

[@U3X6785]

I am not making their job any easier. I will provide the needed documents or get out of the car if asked but I am not answering any questions nor consenting to any search. Also always record every encounter with the police.

[@michaeljulian4997]

I have tinted windows and a four-door, so I roll all the windows down. I also carry a gun on my right hip, so my answer, when asked for documents, is as follows, "My DL and handgun permit is in my back pocket and my firearm is on my right hip. How would you like me to proceed?" Otherwise, I do everything you mentioned and have had very good luck.

[@mikesullivan542]

In 31 years, I never stopped anybody for what I thought they might of done. If I didn't know it for certain, I didn't make the stop.

[@JackRainfield]

Did you ever lose on a ticket that was brought to court?

[@brianchenoweth7347]

This is straight up truth every word. 26 yes in the military and I have been across the country dozens of times all 48 lower. Ticketing speed is 8+ mph over, I pull my lic and other info before the officer gets to me, and follow everything this guy says. I haven't got a ticket in 15 yrs. I always drive 7 over and am a believer that driving should be fun.

[@rayhend100]

I’ve been pulled over probably over 100 times. I’ve driven luxury vehicles my entire adult life and I’m black. Conventional wisdom would dictate that I’d get the hardest time from cops. Generally, I get the opposite. I’ve been following this kind of practice since I was a teen, and I have gotten previous few tickets in my life, even though I knew full well I deserved a ticket almost all of the time. I’ve found respect goes a long way. I can honestly say when I respect the cop, they almost always reciprocate.

[@typoagain1]

I I was once pulled over with the full felony stop routine. I'm talkin guns drawn get out of the car while they hide behind the door. I still followed all of the same rules and was out of there in 10 minutes with no ticket and I most definitely was speeding. I even shook the cops hand and told him to have a nice day before I left

[@johngori9477]

Yeah, I forgot to put the new registration tab on my car once and was driving home about 6 AM on Sunday morning in LA area. I noticed a "collection" of CHP vehicles lining up behind me even though I wasn't speeding. There were 5 and a motorcycle before they lit up. No shoulder so I slowed to 45, turned on my flashers, and exited the freeway for a safe place to pull over. As I stopped two city PD cruisers came from the opposite direction to block the road. Full felony stop procedure. Turns out they thought the car must be stolen since the plates were expired. Stayed calm, showed them the new registration in the glove box with the sticker still on it and they let me go once I put the sticker on the plate.

[@stevelusso7587]

I have always turned on my dome lights and been honest with the officer. Sometimes I get a ticket sometimes I don't. Last time I was pulled over by a MN state trooper I didn't have my wallet or phone and my tabs were expired. I had been working at my father's farm and was dirty and sweaty. I will also add I drive a rusty white van😁 Being polite goes along way. I was given a warning. A very much appreciated warning. Shout out to Trooper Rock. Thank you!

[@laurentiad7488]

I was only stopped once for speeding. I simply told the truth. I said, I'd been driving for over 2 hours from a long day at court 3 counties away and was thoroughly beaten by a divorce procedure that essentially destituted me. I showed him the court docket paperwork which he looked at from outside the window. I said, "If I get a ticket, I don't even know if I'll be able to pay it"! He took my stuff, went back to his car for a couple of minutes. He then returned and said after he gave me back the paperwork with no Ticket, "I've been there... I'm not going to kick a guy when he's down, go home and don't get drunk, take a hot shower!!! Best advice I ever had!

[@angelbabycards3595]

I hear you brother! MGTOW now! Cop pulled me over a summer or two after the divorce. Ex-Wife even took the freakin "ice cube trays..!! " * I know you KNOW what I mean....! Cop realized I wasn't the type of guy he's looking for. He looks to his patrol beat partner - says: "...Lo@@s like another poor bastard with his ass in a sling Johnson.." I'VE seen this type of thing before...poor bastard thought he was in love, just before the wife put a pipe up his ass , fucked his best friend, stole all his money, then jumped out the window, saying it's his fault she's unhappy..:/ *Yup... I see this type of thing all the time. So, I helped him out. I asked him if he wanted to take a look in the trunk, told him how the ex never let me see my little girl again, kept everything, plus all my dough, etc. Normally, I could have easily taken care of my car's paperwork. Problem is: Cop COMPLETELY understood the scope the problem. Outcome: minor warning, smiled, and said I had already been punished enough by the system. No ticket; move along... move along. I smiled, thanked him more or less, and just went home and stared at my divorce judgement papers. ;)

[@greenspiraldragon]

Never say hold my beer while I get my registration under my handgun in the glovebox. Never say that.

[@srquint]

Excellent Advice, Steve! When I was a young man I talked my way out of my first 22 traffic stops in a row. I had a wining technique (plus much luck). I was always polite, never denied my violation, and never made up excuses. On one stop, the Officer started the conversation by screaming, and threw his clipboard on the ground in a rage! I got out of it! My best (and last successful escape from a ticket) was when I drove through a speed trap on HWY 460 (classic - cop car hidden behind a billboard) at the speed-drop entrance to a one cop, no stop-light dinky town (Pembroke VA); while kissing my girlfriend with one eye on the road (the VW Beetle passenger seat was turned backwards, making this easy). Just before his car pulled out, she sat up and said: "slow down, this town is a speed trap"! As his read light came on, she said: "Speeding tickets pay their one cop's salary; you will NEVER talk your way out of this one!" (I had been bragging). I did! My first ticket was during the "double nickels" Arab oil crisis period on Interstate 81 ("Go to double nickels at the top of the ridge, 'cause there's a Smoky Picture Taker sitt'n under the bridge"). My speedometer was broken on my 55 Chevy, and the State Trouper picked me out of a group of about 5 cars all going the same speed near Abington, VA. When he asked why I was doing 61 in a 55 zone, I replied politely: "Officer, my speedometer is broken, I was just driving with the traffic". He replied: "Son (that's Southern Officer talk), the law does not require that you have a working speedometer, but it does require that you obey the speed limit". Ironically, I drove his mother into town from that same location a year later when her car was broken down on the side of Interstate 81 (no cell phones why back then)! For the short drive into Abington she told me all about her State Trouper son that she was so proud of. Times have changed! Recently I have had officers apologize for writing the ticket, but I still got them. Probably the most significant change is that when I was young, all the police were men. I've never experienced or known anyone who talked a female officer out of a ticket. They mean business! No mercy!

[@Nickvec]

As a retired law enforcement officer I would like to make a recommendation, if your windows have heavy tinting, it would be a good idea to roll 'all' of them down. Can you imagine walking up to a vehicle and not even knowing if there is someone in the back seat!

[@consciouscool]

I also turn on all the lights and put my hands face up in the dash, if possible through the steering wheel. Usually they see that and he knows, after he asks why I just say well I don't want you to feel threatened so I made sure you see my hands. Usually they just ask me where I work or used to work and goodnight.

[@JTA1961]

They may have bad inTINTions

[@Thunderbyrd.]

@@JTA1961 That's good, I see what you did there, lol.

[@ryans413]

Get this 25 days into having my license I got pulled over I couldn’t believe it I knew I did nothing wrong so I pulled over to the right much I could put car in park now I didn’t turn on my dome light or put my hands on the wheel but my hands where visible in my lab. As I saw him walk forward I rolled my window down all the way and all it was was him wanting to ask me about my tags. I said I just got them like almost a month ago he replied well not in the system he did some checking and he got it confirmed someone made a mistake and he realized I was all legal and said I was good to go. Best thing I did was to stay calm and didn’t do anything until he asked me too and answered all his questions respectfully and once he realized I wasn’t a threat he kinda relaxed.