Fighting Speeding Tickets: How to Fight a Speeding Ticket and Win!
There are a few tricks of the trade that you may want to learn if you decide on fighting speeding tickets. The more information you have the more likely it will be that you can beat your speeding ticket and walk away with no fines, points, or other penalties.
Always Keep a Cool Head
Whether you are dealing with a police officer, or having your day in court is important that you stay calm, and address the authorities with respect. Whining, pleading, or fabricating a story will not help you, and could even result in a stricter punishment.
Get the Facts
When you receive a ticket it’s important that you record as much information as possible. If you are able to take pictures at the time (after the officer has left) this could help. At least document where you were at the time of the incident, the direction you were traveling, where the officer was stationed, and the nearest speed sign. If you are able you may want to inquire as to how the police officer determined your speed, and once you head home consider drawing a diagram.
Examine the Guidelines
Find out exactly how to contest your ticket by closely reading the procedure on the back of the ticket. Once you file your claim, ensure you get the name of anyone who contacts you, and be friendly. Often the clerks have the most influence over which judge you will see, and they know which ones are more lenient.
Request a Few Delays
If the ticketing officer is unable to attend the hearing, or cannot recall details of your case then chances are that you will beat your speeding ticket. The best way to ensure this happens is to request a few delays. This is why it’s important to be friendly to the clerk, as they will be more likely to give you a continuance without too much trouble.
Avoid Points with an Alternative
The most important concern you have when you fight your speeding ticket is to avoid getting points, as these will affect your insurance rates and your driving record. If you feel like the hearing isn’t going well, then you may want to request an alternative punishment – such as paying the fine plus driving school.
Know When to Accept the Facts
You won’t always win when fighting a speeding ticket – so know when to back down and accept your fate. Arguing with the court won’t help your case, and will only ensure that the judge remembers you negatively if you end up in the same court again.
Know Your Rights
As a citizen of this country you are entitled to your rights, and one of those is the right to prove your innocence. By fully understanding what you are entitled to, you can make sure that you have done everything within your power to fight your speeding tickets. If you are assured of your innocence then you also have the right to file an appeal.
Before fighting your speeding ticket it’s important to learn all there is to know about it. Don’t just arrive confident; being prepared is key to your success. Remember the initial cost of the speeding ticket isn’t the only thing at stake: you can lose or earn points depending on where you’re from, your insurance premiums can increase, getting insured in the first place may be difficult, and it can go as far as your license getting suspended.
Nice blog!