There’s nothing worse than getting pulled over and being asked if you have car insurance. But what can you do? The truth is, you can take a few actions to lessen the blows of such a situation.

If you’re almost sure that there’s going to be a ticket, here are some things you can do:

1. Use your cell phone to record the scenario. Let both parties know you have a recorder and to whom it belongs. Just be careful not to use anything you can’t get away with later.

2. The best way for the officer to make up for the ticket is without anger. First, ensure that your license plate is current and has valid state inspection stickers and that your vehicle is up to date with current registration. If there’s any problem, you can bring it to the officer’s attention and have them verify through their computer.

3. Never forget that it takes two parties for a traffic stop to occur. The officer is just doing their job, so don’t get upset if they pull you over. Many people have been pulled over wrongfully, but even police officers are human and can make mistakes. Make sure that if you’ve done something wrong or illegal, you take full responsibility for your actions.

4. If you’re made out to be a suspect during the traffic stop, don’t make things worse. Do not admit to hunting, drinking, or being in a particular restricted area. Mentioning any of these will only make the situation worse for YOU. Be polite, and answer all questions truthfully. You never know when you may pull someone over again.

5. If you’re not at fault, make sure you move to the right-hand side of the road as soon as possible, drive at a safe speed, and always make it clear to the officer that you will obey all traffic laws. The officer will appreciate your willingness to cooperate and usually follow through with fewer tickets.

6. If you attempt to bribe the officer, you could be charged with bribery, which is a felony. Never try to bribe an officer. Also, NEVER accept a bribe from an officer. It’s also considered a felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison.

7. If you’ve been given several tickets and cannot go to court, you can request for the court date to be rescheduled by calling the police department where the ticket was issued or looking at your ticket for an information hotline number. You can also schedule a court date online.

8. Contact your insurance provider and determine which state your coverage is valid. You can ask if there’s a grace period or if you must purchase additional insurance to drive to another state. Your insurance provider can tell you how much you need and what coverage includes.

9. To prepare for a traffic ticket, get a copy of the state highway code and become familiar with your offense’s laws. It can help you to avoid future problems.

10. If you are stopped for a ticket and end up with a ticket you can’t pay, never try to pay the fine in installments. Not only will you not be able to pay the fine in time, but you’ll still have to deal with the other issues that go along with it, such as points or jail time. The only way to deal with traffic tickets is by going through court or paying them off immediately.

Be Safe and be prepared to deal with things that may arise when driving. For example, don’t drink and drive, illegal items fuel significant risk, and hazards such as faulty lights, bad brakes, or faulty tires can end up putting you at risk of getting a ticket.

It is always best to know the traffic laws to prepare yourself for any situation that may arise when driving. Many people fail to do this because they think no one will enforce their traffic laws.