All of us have had our share of experience with the traffic police for violations of traffic rules. Sometimes we break the rules unintentionally and sometimes when we are in a hurry. Well, whatever be the reasons, rules are rules, and “Ignorance of the Law is no excuse!”
Today, we have come up with some tips on how to deal with the Traffic Police when you are caught for the violation of their rules.
Greet the Officer
The Traffic Police is an officer doing his duty. We should not be rude or offend him in any manner. Also, the officer is prone to judge you on the basis of how you respond to him. DO NOT lose your temper even though it is not your fault. Be on your best behavior, and cooperate with him. The traffic police is a human too, he would consider the petty offenses if you are polite to him.
Stay Silent
You have the right to remain silent, or at least the constitution guarantees it. Anything you say or do can be used against you. For instance, if you say that you were in a hurry or you didn’t know the rules, it is simply confessing your guilt. Stay silent. However, staying silent does not mean not cooperating. You should show the driving license and vehicle papers on the demand of the officer.
Recording
When we say recording, it is better to switch on the voice recorder and put the device in your pocket. Do not pull out the camera on his face and threaten him of being recorded because that would make the officer more enraged. The voice recording would be enough for evidence if in case you are right and the traffic police officer is mistaken. You know, eyes can deceive sometimes and the police officer is a human too. Simply state what you had done and let him talk, everything is wired.
The Traffic Violation Paper
Avoid getting the traffic violation paper at all. The papers are counted and given to the officers on duty. If they write on it and give it to you, even they cannot help you after that. In petty offenses, the officers themselves won’t bother taking out the chit-papers, but if they do, make sure they don’t write on it. Once it’s handed over, you are going to the nearest traffic police station to collect your license.
Element of surprise
You know you have offended so it is better to keep quiet and apologize to them. If you threaten them with, “Do you know who I am?”, well, jokes on you because you are supporting the corrupt system. It may enrage the officer on duty furthermore and they also have the option of charging you against threatening them, and that is a crime.
Lastly,
Note that we are not helping you commit traffic offenses and get away with it. We know we all have committed petty offenses and these tips may save your life or at least your traffic record. Traffic Police keep track of your records, if your traffic record is bad, filled with reckless driving/riding, drink and drive- well, you deserve to be penalized. Following traffic rules is for your own safety and others too!