A 20-year police veteran has seven pieces of advice that can help.

#1. PUT THE COP AT EASE
Even though you're not a demented sociopath, the cop doesn't know that. Pull off into a well-lit and open area, turn off the car, turn on the interior lights if it's nighttime. Also keep your hands on the wheel until they say otherwise.

#2. DON'T BE A JERK
Give them the documents they ask for, then politely explain your side of the situation. Asking, "'Why did you stop me?" is like calling the officer a liar.

#3. NEVER MENTION QUOTAS
Basically, if you get a cop who has a quota, she's going to issue you a ticket. If she has no quota, she's going to be pissed you're accusing her of having one and issue you a ticket. See where this is going?

#4. DON'T FLIRT
No matter how smokin' hot you think you are, using it to influence the person pulling you over is probably a terrible idea.

#5. REMEMBER YOU'RE NOT ON "LAW & ORDER"
Using words or phrases you picked up watching courtroom dramas on TV, or attempting to turn the tables on the cops, won't work in your favor. Ever.

#6. KEEP YOUR MONEY INSIDE YOUR WALLET
Trying to bribe an officer can lead to your arrest — but not all cops are quite that harsh. If a cop is caught taking bribes, he could face jail time, be fired, and lose his pension. Whatever you're offering isn't going to cover that.

#7. COME CLEAN
Cops are people, and they have the same problems you have. If you were speeding, just admit it and explain why. Saying that you were working late and wanted to get home quickly will go a lot further than lying about having to use the bathroom or heading to the hospital.