[denverpete]

There's a reason why the Police ask "Do you know why I pulled you over or do you know how fast you were going?". If you answer that you were speeding, how fast you were speeding, illegal lane change, ran a red light - that's taken as an admission of guilt. Any admissions are written on the back of the ticket. If they ask if you knew how fast you were going and you admit you were 10 over the limit - they'll probably give you a ticket for 10 over the limit even if they had you at 15 over. Basically, you admitted it - you can't fight it.

I've been pulled over numerous times but only received 3 tickets. One when I was 17 (my dad got nailed in the same place a week later). The second in college on my 920 Virago - I got that one dismissed since he claimed he got me going away from him across traffic (no way that was me). The third in New Mexico - he just chuckled and handed me a ticket for $165.00.

Here are my rules for getting dealing with Police when pulled over:

The minute you notice you're "nailed" - pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. (make sure to signal!)

Shut off the car.

Keep your lights on (if at night).

Keep your hands on the wheel (don't start looking for registration/insurance).
Roll down the window or crack it so they can speak with you.

Follow all instructions.

Be polite (Yes Sir, Yes Officer)

If you have papers in your wallet or a console - tell the police what you are doing.
("My registration is in my glove box - I'm going to open it and get it").

Only admit to the infraction if it's serious enough that you'll probably get a ticket anyway (doubling the speed limit or racing, for example). I generally use, "I'm not really sure, but it sure looks like I did something". If you are going to admit to something - make it general ("Yeah, I was being stupid and speeding") and make sure you do it with an apologetic tone. Beligerance is only going to make it worse.

If they say something about how "I guess you can afford to speed" or "I guess you can afford the insurance" - I've used "Not really" or "My wife sure doesn't think so". This actually got me out of a ticket.