Pulled Over for Speeding in Michigan? Here’s Exactly What To Do

Getting pulled over for speeding is something every driver dreads. One minute you’re cruising down I-75 or Telegraph Road, the next minute flashing red and blue lights are in your rearview mirror. Your heart races, your stomach drops, and a thousand thoughts run through your mind — How fast was I going? Will this raise my insurance? Can I fight it?

Here’s the truth: you have more control than you think.

At TicketFixPro.com, we help Michigan drivers fight speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and all forms of traffic violations — saving them time, money, and points on their license. This guide explains exactly what to do before, during, and after a traffic stop, and how to give yourself the best chance at dismissal or reduction.

📍 Address: 29500 Telegraph Rd | Suite 250 | Southfield, MI 48034
📞 Phone: 833-842-5776
🌐 Visit TicketFixPro.com

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Step 1: Stay Calm and Pull Over Safely

As soon as you see the patrol car’s lights, use your signal and move to the right shoulder or the nearest safe area. Avoid sudden braking or swerving — officers notice how you respond, and calm, predictable behavior helps de-escalate the situation.

Once stopped:

• Turn off your vehicle and roll down your window.

• Keep both hands visible on the steering wheel.

• Wait until the officer requests documents before reaching for them.

Being polite and cooperative doesn’t mean admitting guilt. It simply reduces tension and ensures the stop proceeds smoothly.

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Step 2: Understand Why You Were Pulled Over

Michigan police use several methods to detect speeding — and knowing which one they used can be crucial later when you fight the ticket.

Radar

Radar guns bounce radio waves off your vehicle to measure speed. They’re quick and accurate — when properly calibrated. If the device wasn’t recently tested or if multiple vehicles were nearby, results can be unreliable.

LIDAR (Laser Radar)

LIDAR uses light pulses to pinpoint one vehicle’s speed. It’s precise but only works when the officer has a clear line of sight. Rain, fog, or curves can distort readings.

Pacing

An officer follows behind you and matches your speed using their speedometer. Pacing requires steady distance and accurate equipment — easy to challenge if road conditions or traffic interfered.

Visual Estimation

In some cases, an officer simply estimates your speed. While legal, it’s also subjective and open to error.

Write down everything you remember as soon as possible — where the officer was positioned, traffic conditions, weather, and what method they said they used (if any). These details are gold for your attorney later.

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Step 3: Be Respectful — But Don’t Admit Guilt

This step is critical. Anything you say can appear in the officer’s report and later be used against you in court.

Avoid statements like:

• “I didn’t realize I was going that fast.”

• “I’m sorry.”

• “I was just keeping up with traffic.”

Instead, remain neutral. A simple “I see” or “Understood, officer” keeps you polite without confirming fault.

When asked for license, registration, and proof of insurance, hand them over calmly. Do not argue or question the officer’s motives. If they issue a ticket, accept it respectfully — arguing roadside won’t help your case, but silence might.

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Step 4: Examine the Ticket Before You Drive Away

Before leaving, double-check your citation. Mistakes happen more often than you think, and even small errors can help your case later. Look for:

• Incorrect vehicle make, model, or license plate

• Wrong date or time

• Incorrect statute or ordinance listed

• Wrong location or mile marker

Take a photo of the ticket with your phone immediately. Store the original safely — it’s your most important document until the case is resolved.

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Step 5: Understand Your Options — Pay or Fight

Many drivers just pay the fine to “get it over with.” Unfortunately, paying the fine is the same as pleading guilty.

When you pay:

• Points are added to your driving record.

• Your insurance company sees the violation.

• Premiums can skyrocket — sometimes for three years or more.

Fighting the ticket is almost always the smarter move. Even if you don’t win outright, an attorney can often reduce the charge to a zero-point infraction, helping you avoid both license points and insurance spikes.

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Step 6: Know Michigan’s Speeding Penalties

The penalties for speeding depend on how fast you were going and where. Michigan’s point system looks like this:

12 points within two years can lead to license suspension under the Michigan Driver Responsibility Program.

If you’re already close to 12 points, call TicketFixPro immediately — we can often help prevent suspension before it happens.

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Step 7: Request a Hearing

Michigan drivers typically have 14 days from the ticket date to request a court hearing. You’ll find instructions on the back of your citation or the issuing court’s website.

There are usually two hearing options:

• Informal Hearing: You represent yourself, the officer appears, and the judge decides.

• Formal Hearing: You (or your attorney) face a prosecutor. You can present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and negotiate.

An attorney can appear on your behalf — saving you time and increasing your odds of success.

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Step 8: Collect Your Evidence

Strong evidence can make or break your case. Gather:

• Photos of the area (speed limit signs, intersections, landmarks).

• Dashcam or smartphone video showing traffic flow.

• GPS data showing your speed.

• Witness statements (passengers, other drivers).

• Weather data from the day and time of the stop.

Your lawyer will use this evidence to identify inconsistencies in the officer’s report or measurement method.

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Step 9: Understand Possible Defenses

There’s no one-size-fits-all defense, but here are the most effective strategies Michigan attorneys use:

Faulty Equipment

Radar and LIDAR devices must be calibrated regularly. If maintenance records are missing or outdated, readings are unreliable.

Improper Officer Training

Michigan law requires specific training for radar and pacing techniques. An unqualified officer’s testimony can be challenged.

Incorrect Speed Zone Posting

If signs were missing, damaged, or obscured by weather or construction, you may have a valid defense.

Medical or Emergency Defense

If you exceeded the speed limit to avoid harm or reach emergency care, your lawyer can argue necessity, which may lead to dismissal.

Reasonable Doubt

Sometimes, simply showing inconsistencies between your account, the officer’s report, and available evidence creates enough doubt to win.

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Step 10: Hire a Michigan Speeding Ticket Lawyer

The average Michigan driver pays over $400 in fines and insurance increases for a single speeding ticket — and that’s just for one.

Working with a local traffic lawyer from TicketFixPro can:

• Get tickets dismissed or reduced.

• Prevent points on your license.

• Negotiate alternative resolutions (like driving school).

• Handle everything without you appearing in court.

Our attorneys appear regularly in courts across:

• Southfield (46th District Court)

• Pontiac (50th District Court)

• Warren (37th District Court)

• Roseville (39th District Court)

• Detroit (36th District Court)

We know the local judges, prosecutors, and traffic procedures — giving you a real advantage.

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Step 11: What Happens in Court

If your case goes to court, your TicketFixPro attorney will:

1. Review all discovery materials (officer notes, radar calibration, video).

2. Cross-examine the officer about measurement accuracy and visibility.

3. Present evidence of improper signage, poor conditions, or device failure.

4. Negotiate a plea reduction if dismissal isn’t possible.

Most cases end without trial — often with charges dropped or penalties reduced to non-moving violations that don’t affect your insurance.

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Step 12: Consider Traffic School or Deferral

If you qualify, attending an approved Michigan driver improvement course can reduce points or dismiss the citation entirely.

Courts in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties frequently offer “deferral programs” — meaning your ticket is temporarily suspended and later dismissed if you avoid additional violations for a set period.

Ask your TicketFixPro lawyer whether your district court offers:

• Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDIC)

• Deferral programs for first-time offenders

• Community service or court-ordered education

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Step 13: Avoid Future Speeding Tickets

Once your case is resolved, take steps to keep your record clean:

• Leave earlier to avoid rushing.

• Use cruise control on highways.

• Avoid tailgating or “keeping up with traffic” excuses.

• Download a reputable speed-alert app.

• Get regular updates on your driver’s record from the Secretary of State.

Preventing another citation is the best long-term strategy to protect your license.

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Step 14: How Speeding Tickets Affect Insurance

Insurance companies view moving violations as risk factors. A single speeding ticket can raise your premiums by 20%–30%, depending on your insurer.

If you have multiple violations, your provider could drop coverage entirely. A dismissed or reduced ticket (to a non-moving infraction) doesn’t trigger these increases — another reason to fight every citation.

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Step 15: Why Choose TicketFixPro

At TicketFixPro, we don’t just “fight tickets” — we protect your license, your insurance, and your peace of mind.

Our firm combines local experience with personalized legal care. Whether it’s a minor speeding ticket or a complex reckless driving charge, we have the expertise to get results.

Our Services Include:

• Speeding and traffic ticket defense

• Reckless and careless driving charges

• License restoration and reinstatement

• DUI and OWI defense

• Street racing and misdemeanor traffic defense

When you call us, you’ll speak directly with an attorney — not an assistant or answering service.

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Step 16: TicketFixPro’s Service Area

We serve clients across:

• Wayne County (Detroit, Livonia, Dearborn)

• Oakland County (Southfield, Pontiac, Royal Oak)

• Macomb County (Warren, Roseville, Sterling Heights)

• Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti)

Our Southfield headquarters is easily accessible from I-696, I-75, and M-10.

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Visit TicketFixPro in Southfield

TicketFixPro
📍 29500 Telegraph Rd | Suite 250 | Southfield, MI 48034
📞 833-842-5776
🌐 https://ticketfixpro.com

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