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7 Ways to Avoid Speeding Tickets on Summer Road Trips

By Admin on July 02, 2013 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Looking to avoid a speeding ticket? Aren't we all. Speeding is one of the most common (and easiest) traffic violations to commit.

Before you rev up for that summer road trip, though, consider these seven ways to (potentially) avoid getting pulled over:

  1. Watch for speed cameras. Instead of a real-life police officer pulling you over, there may be cameras that record your speed, snapping a picture of your license plate and then mailing you your ticket. While many judges have been dismissing these tickets, and others have ordered the cameras unplugged altogether, you should still watch out for them.
  2. Watch for common speed trap locations. The police often like to set up camp in certain spots, like at the bottom of hills, at the end of off-ramps, or inconspicuously behind signs. So keep your foot close to the brake pedal if you approach of these common hiding spots.
  3. Use radar detectors -- if they're legal where you're going. Radar detectors are an easy way to figure out where and when police are using radar guns on the road. There may even be radar detector apps available for your smartphone. However, before you invest in (or download) one, keep in mind that some states prohibit their use.
  4. Don't confuse radar detectors with radar jammers. A radar jammer actually blocks the signal from a police radar gun from monitoring your car as it passes. Using a radar jammer, however, is considered a federal offense. These devices are also illegal in some states, meaning that even if you aren't on a federal highway, you could still be in trouble. So while they probably would work in avoiding speeding tickets, it's in your best interest to not use them at all.
  5. Download a police scanner app -- if it's OK in your jurisdiction. While police scanner apps are cool to listen to at home if you want to know about any (alleged) criminal activity afoot, they can also potentially help you figure out where cops may be patroling for speeders. However, while listening at home is fine, using it in your car may be a different story. Make sure you check your state's laws about using police scanners while driving before you decide to turn to this method.
  6. Don't draw attention to your car. The more attention you draw to your car, the more likely that attention will place you on a police officer's radar. Even though you may not necessarily be speeding, you'll still want to avoid rousing suspicion by committing reckless acts. Things like swerving wildly, flashing your lights frequently, and changing lanes far too often can send the wrong signal.
  7. Just don't speed! The only foolproof way to avoid a speeding ticket is if you, well, just don't speed! While it may be tempting to go just 5 mph above the limit, remember that anything over the limit can be enough cause for a speeding ticket, which often comes with costly fines.

Even if you do end up getting a speeding ticket, it's not the end of the road. Traffic tickets can often be challenged in court for a variety of reasons. An experienced traffic ticket attorney will be able to help map out your best course of action.

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