Technical knowledge of how to properly maintain and operate your Miata extends beyond the area of tools, and lubricants. Personal behavior also affects your car's (and your) longevity. Especially if you are stopped by a member of law enforcement.  Keeping things low key is essential. It's amazing how many times a pleasant attitude will let you get away with a warning rather than a citation.

Therefore I suggest that you do NOT direct these comments at the officer.

If the officer asks: "Do you know why I stopped you ?".  NEVER respond "Because you think I have do-nuts in my trunk ?"

As the officer looms over you ticket book in hand, do not ask them: "Does your department have a minimum ugly requirement ?"

Do NOT shuffle under your seat with both hands as the officer approaches you from behind. The Snickers Bar you dropped can wait until later.

Leaving your radio on does NOT improve the psychology of the moment.

Do not ask the officer to aim his speed gun at your radar detector so you can "check it out".

If you are on a cellular phone when stopped. Do NOT ask the officer to wait until you finish your conversation. Hang up NOW !

Comments like "Not again !" will not improve your chances of just getting a warning.

My all time favorite (From personal experience) is do not travel in a convoy of 14 Miatas into Death Valley National Park, and act like you are all having way too much fun. There must be a Park ordnance about older people having way too much fun in their Miatas, because Mister Ranger had a long talk to us about it. I wonder what Yogi would have done in that situation ? Rangers in Death Valley National Park can be as officious as they please. What's management going to do ? Transfer them to someplace worse ? Pass me the pic-a-nic basket Boo-Boo.

   By: Enrico "Red" Massagli, ã 2001