The police pull you over during a traffic stop, then approach your car and ask, “Do you know how fast you were going?” Your mind may start to race, and you might wonder how you should answer.
If you are ever in such a situation, here is how you can handle it:
Stay calm and don’t admit guilt
While you may have many thoughts when an officer asks you such a question, you should try to stay calm and think clearly. Apologizing or admitting you exceeded the speed limit may give the officer reason to believe that you did break the law.
Saying “no” or “I don’t know” might seem like a safer option, but that’s not necessarily a great answer, as it could be interpreted as you not paying enough attention to your speed, which is something you should do to drive safely.
Rather than giving a specific number when responding to the officer, you can politely say, “I believe I was going the speed limit.“ You don’t have to give a specific number.
You can also exercise your right to remain silent by saying, “I prefer not to answer questions.” But you should cooperate by being respectful and providing the necessary documents, such as your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance.
It’s crucial to avoid using self-incriminating statements when stopped by the police. It is also important to remember that if an officer issues you with a speeding ticket you disagree with, you may want to examine the options available to contest it and protect your driving record.