I have found success with using complete honesty and respect with the cops when I get pulled over for speeding:

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"
"Because I was going 75, officer."
"You were going 85."
"Then I wasn't looking at the speedometer"

This conversation got me off with a warning, even though I was from out of state, and thus a favorite target of the Wisconsin highway patrol. The fact that I am caucasian with no tattoos or jewelry may have also been a factor.