Common Things People Say to Get Out of a Ticket
Have you ever been stopped by an officer before? Maybe you were speeding to work or making a turn when you weren't allowed, only to realize your mistake when you saw the dreaded flashing lights. What was your first instinct when you rolled down your window—to be honest, or to lie? If the latter, we're betting you've probably used some of the ones on this list. From "I have to use the bathroom" to "everyone else was doing it," here are the 20 most common excuses people use when they get pulled over.
1. I Have to Use the Bathroom
The thing about this excuse is that at least it's relatively honest—unless you don't actually have to go. Of course, just because you need to use the bathroom doesn't mean you're allowed to be reckless on the road, so it's a gamble whether this justification works or not.
2. I Didn't See the Sign
Of all the most common excuses people use to get out of a ticket, saying they "didn't see the sign" is one that sits at the top. They may even make additional—and sometimes absurd—excuses, like the tree was blocking their view or a passenger was in the way.
3. There's a Bug on My Windshield
Honestly, this one is a pretty valid reason, especially if you're not particularly fond of bugs and arachnids. Bees in the car or a spider on the windshield can make drivers panic—though saying this probably won't get you out of a ticket, truth or not.
4. I Didn't Realize I Was Reading Miles
Provided your driver's license doesn't poke a hole through your excuse by having "Hometown: USA" written on it, you could probably get away with saying this. Having to make the conversion between kilometers and miles on the fly is pretty challenging, after all.
5. Everyone Else Was Doing It
When all else fails, just blame other people, right? After all, other people were speeding too, or engaging in reckless behavior, so why is it that you're the only one who got pulled over? As unfair as you might find it, though, you're unlikely to get away with using this reasoning.
6. I'm Lost
Saying that you're lost and unfamiliar with the roads is another excuse that could either give you an out or a ticket in hand. If you're driving too slow or making strange maneuvers and obstructing traffic, that's on you, even if it's because you don't know the way.
7. I'm on My Way to an Emergency
Ah, the age-old excuse that everyone uses. It's no surprise either that this one may work to get you out of a speeding ticket, depending on your exchange with the officer. Then again, it's probably best you don't make up life-threatening medical emergencies just to avoid a fine.
8. I'm Late for Work
This is another one that officers are probably tired of hearing, and it's one that likely won't work in your favor. Since, even if it were true, it doesn't give you the right to speed or put other road users in danger because you didn't wake up on time.
9. I Missed My Exit
If you missed your turn or exit, there are safer ways to circle back and take the correct lane, so this line of reasoning will likely get you nowhere if you get pulled over. Plus, on highways where everyone is driving faster than normal, accidents are much more likely to happen if you do sudden or illegal maneuvers.
10. The GPS Told Me to Do It
You'll at most get a weird look if you use this excuse. Creative—and funny—as it is, blaming a GPS for your actions isn't likely to get you out of any situation with the authorities, even if you are just telling the truth.
11. I Didn't Know It Was Broken
If you've been stopped by an officer because of a broken light or part, this excuse might only work if the defective area is in an obscure place and not a completely obvious spot. Otherwise, this justification will get you absolutely nowhere.
12. I Left the Oven on at Home
This excuse is probably as likely to work on an officer as a kid saying "My dog ate my homework" to a teacher. By which we mean it won't work at all. Even if it were true, you're still unlikely to get out of a ticket. At most you'll just have a quicker exchange.
13. I'm Having an Emergency in My Car
If your crisis isn't immediately apparent, this excuse will be taken the same way as saying you're rushing to some medical emergency. And if your crisis is having spilled coffee or food all over your lap, you can always pull over to get yourself cleaned up.
14. I Didn't Know I Was Speeding
You'd be surprised how often this excuse is used by drivers even when it's pretty apparent they're speeding. Safe to say it's not a reason that works with the authorities, since they'll typically have proof of you speeding anyway.
15. I Need to Pick Up My Kid
Another excuse drivers use that's similar to saying they're late to work is that they're late to pick up their children from school. Again, though, that tardiness doesn't mean they're allowed to speed or break rules on the road and put others in danger.
16. I'm Running Out of Gas
Running out of fuel and speeding to get to the closest gas station? Good luck—you'll probably end up with a ticket if you're caught driving over the limit. This excuse is more likely to get you a tow truck your way than for you to receive just a simple warning.
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17. I'm a New Driver
Did you just get your license and are still inexperienced on the road? It's probably better that you drive with a trusted friend or family member before you start weaving in and out of lanes like it's a video game. This excuse likely won't work in your favor with the authorities, either.
18. Something's Wrong with My Speedometer
Using this excuse is unlikely to get you out of a ticket. For one, even if it were true, you're still in the wrong for not getting it fixed and still heading out on the road. And if it isn't true, the police officer has your speed checked, anyway.
19. My Wife Is in Labor
This excuse is similar to saying you're rushing to an emergency. And it's a good one—after all, unless they escort you to the hospital, it's not like the officer can prove whether or not it's true. Now if your wife is in the car with you and isn't actually in labor... that will really put you both in a pickle.
20. Something's Wrong with My Tires
This is similar to saying something is wrong with your speedometer or some other part of your car, and as common of an excuse it is, it's unlikely to work. You'll most likely just be told to get it fixed, or that you should've pulled over to assess the situation.
