College. The phase of life that children, disguised as adults, raise Hell on their parent’s payroll. We were all raised and molded to follow the strict foundation of following rules. Everything we do seems to be associated with a rule: Attend that movie but no texting; Ride the pool’s water slide but feet must go first; Have fun at the school dance but don’t actually dance with your date; and whatever you do, DO NOT bring breakfast on the Cy Ride.

We have been relatively successful in following these rules; although, once you come to college, people seem to forget every rule they’ve ever learned. Since we tend to push boundaries, police officers are making their presence more noticeable than ever.

Late Sunday night, my friends needed a safe ride home from a party. I drove them around for two hours before I noticed the car following me. Eventually, red and blue lights start flashing, and my stomach starts to sink. Thank God the policeman was patient, because I couldn’t differentiate between the pile of documents thrown in my glove compartment. In the end, I learned my driver’s license is missing and my car’s plates and registration are expired. "How did I not get a ticket?" I kept thinking to myself all night long.

If we’re going to continue our reckless lifestyle, we have to know how to interact with police officers so the conversation ends in our favor. Because let’s face it, they are hiding all over college town waiting for us to show our stupidity. When you find yourself in this situation, revert to my methods on avoiding a ticket in college.

Smile and Wave

Research shows that smiling and waving at a police officer is a great way to confuse them. Since you seem excited to see them, they’re going to wonder if you have talked before and likely smile and wave back. It initiates a friendly interaction instead of a hostile one that many people naturally start after being pulled over. If you have yet to be pulled over but notice the cop as you approach them, still smile and wave. This wave says, “Yes. I know I am speeding. I’m slowing down now don’t worry!” Both situations are likely to end in a warning rather than a ticket.

Small Talk

When the police officer comes up to you, initiate small talk right away. This will build a small relationship between you two and make it harder for them to give you a ticket. It is easier for them to ticket you if they have no idea who you are. You could easily talk about what you are doing for the day and eventually ask what they are doing for the day. People love to talk about themselves.

Do Not Look in Mirrors

Looking back at the Police Officer when they are in their car makes you look suspicious. Police officers that have been interviewed say that they notice drivers glancing back at them in mirrors all the time.

Ask for a Warning

Giving out warnings to drivers counts toward the Police officer’s monthly goals. If you genuinely say, “I wasn’t aware of the quick change in speed limit,” they are more than likely okay with giving you a warning instead of the ticket. Treat the police officer how you would want to be treated and you’ll be surprised how much they’re willing to work with you.

Ask to see the Radar

When police officers clock speed using a radar, they can only get an accurate reading if they are stationary and behind or next to the car. If you know that the police officer was coming from the other direction and still pulled you over, ask politely if you can see the radar he clocked your speed at. This shows your respect and knowledge for the rules of the road. Since this gets you out of a ticket 99% of the time, you may get on the police officer’s bad side from that point on… it’s a choice you have to make.

Blame Justin Bieber

Just two short weeks ago I tested this out for myself. When the police officer explained that I was going ten miles over the accepted speed limit for that zone I said, “I’m sorry. I was listening to the old Justin Bieber songs and I guess I got so excited I speed up to the beat of the music.” He laughed and said that Justin Bieber made him pumped up too but I need to hold back on pumping the gas. I was let go without an official warning or a ticket.