10 Tips to Successfully Fight a Speeding Ticket in 2024

Contents

• What to do When You Get a Speeding Ticket?
• Defending Against a Speeding Ticket in Court
• FAQs

Getting your first speeding ticket can be tough emotionally and financially. States and towns have their own special rules for these tickets. Always follow what's on the ticket or what the officer says. Here’s what we will cover to help you know what to do after getting a traffic ticket:

• Stay Cool and Polite
• Sign the Paper Ticket
• Double-Check Your Ticket Information
• Understand How to Deal with the Citation
• Review Payment Instructions
• Consider Defensive Driving School
• Try Alternatives if No Defensive Driving School
• Inform Your Auto Insurance Provider
• Arrive Prepared if You Go to Court
• Using the Right Language in Court to Fight a Speeding Ticket

What to do When You Get a Speeding Ticket?

1. Stay Cool and Polite 

When you realize a patrol officer is giving you a speeding ticket, stay calm and respectful. Avoid arguing or trying to change their mind about the ticket.

2. Sign the Paper Ticket 

Usually, the officer will go back to their car to prepare your ticket details. Then, they'll give you a paper ticket to sign.

3. Double-Check Your Ticket Information

Once you sign, the officer will give you a copy of the ticket. It contains your details, the offense location, the officer's name, speed limits, your speed when pulled over, and a court date. If any info is wrong, tell the officer for corrections.

4. Understand How to Deal with the Citation 

The officer might tell you what to do next, either verbally or through the written instructions on the ticket. Even if they don't explain, the necessary information should be on the speeding ticket itself.

5. Review Payment Instructions 

Once you've reached your destination, go through the instructions on how to pay your speeding ticket. Typically, you can pay online, by phone, or at your local courthouse. If you have questions, check the contact number provided on the ticket.

6. Consider Defensive Driving School 

For a first-time speeding ticket, you might have the option to attend a defensive driving school instead of paying the fine. Contact your local municipal courthouse to inquire about enrollment. This choice may not be available everywhere.

7. Try Alternatives if No Defensive Driving School 

If defensive driving school isn't an option, you have two choices. Pay the fine before the ticket's court date or go to court to try getting it dismissed. Note that appearing in court may involve additional court costs.

8. Inform Your Auto Insurance Provider 

After receiving a speeding ticket, consider informing your auto insurance company. Often, your insurance rates may go up with one or more speeding tickets. In some cases, if you get multiple speeding tickets in a short time, your insurance company might even cancel your policy.

Defending Against a Speeding Ticket in Court

9. Arrive Prepared if You Go to Court 

When going to court for speeding ticket first time, be ready to possibly cover court costs. Follow these attorney-recommended tips for a better chance at beating your ticket:

Understand Your Ticket: Know the details of your ticket and what the state must prove against you.
Check Officer's Paperwork: Request to see the officer's paperwork; if they lack it, you could get your ticket dismissed.
Know Speed Measurement Device: Find out what device was used to measure your speed; if it's not listed on your ticket, you may challenge it on due-process grounds for potential dismissal.

10. Using the Right Language in Court to Fight a Speeding Ticket

When fighting a speeding ticket, it's essential to use specific verbiage and language effectively:

• Not guilty
• No traffic around
• Slightly above the speed limit, around 5-10 mph
• Consider the weather conditions
• Provide a detailed explanation
• Lack of speed limit signs

Maintain a respectful and composed manner in court. Remember, you can avoid speeding tickets by consistently driving at or below the posted speed limit. 

FAQs

Can You Fight a Speeding Ticket?

Yes, you can opt to appear in court to potentially dismiss your speeding citation.

Is Getting a Speeding Ticket a Serious Offense?

Not necessarily! First-time speeding tickets are usually less severe unless they involve super-speeding or reckless driving. You might even attend defensive driving school to avoid points on your DMV record.

What Happens When I Pay a Speeding Ticket?

Paying a speeding ticket adds a 'point' to your DMV record. Accumulating too many points may lead to increased auto insurance costs or policy cancellation.

Is It Worth It to Challenge a Speeding Ticket?

If you believe your ticket is undeserved, it's worth trying for dismissal. Sometimes, the officer's absence in court or discrepancies in paperwork can lead to a dismissal.

When Will A Speeding Ticket Show Up On Insurance?

Speeding tickets usually impact your insurance when you renew your policy, which may be every six months or annually, depending on your provider.

How Often Do Cops Show Up For Traffic Court?

In most cases, officers appear for traffic court hearings, but there are exceptions when they are unavailable due to other duties.

How To Get A Judge To Dismiss A Speeding Ticket?

To increase your chances, gather evidence like documentation or witness statements, and present a compelling case in court, highlighting any procedural errors or inconsistencies.

How To Get A Ticket Dismissed For Wrong Information?

If the ticket contains incorrect information, such as your name or vehicle details, you can argue this in court, providing proof of the inaccuracies.

What Happens If You Don't Sign The Ticket Issued By An Officer?

Refusing to sign a ticket could lead to your arrest, as the signature generally indicates you received and will address the citation. It's often not an admission of guilt.