Receiving your first speeding ticket is not only an emotional experience; it can also be a financial burden. Different states and municipalities have their own unique rules and regulations regarding speeding tickets. Although you should always follow any instructions you read on the citation or are given by the officer, the following basic instructions will give you an understanding of what you need to do after being issued a traffic citation.
What Happens When You Get a Speeding Ticket?
Remain calm and respectful As soon as you become aware that the patrol officer is going to issue you a speeding ticket, remain calm and respectful. Never argue with the officer or attempt to persuade him or her to recant the citation.
Sign the paper copy of the ticket Oftentimes the officer will head back to his car to draft up the information needed for your citation. He will then present you with a paper copy of the ticket for you to sign.
Make sure you know how to handle the citation The officer may give you verbal instructions on what you need to do to handle the citation or he may refer you to instructions on the piece of paper. Even if the officer does not explain to you what you need to do next, the information should appear somewhere on the ticket.
Read the instructions on how to pay your speeding ticket After you have safely arrived at your destination, read over the instructions on how to pay your speeding citation. Usually, you will have the option to pay online, by phone or at your local municipal courthouse. There should be a contact number listed on the ticket that you can call if you have any questions.
Attend defensive driving school instead of paying the fine If the speeding ticket is your first, you may be allowed to attend defensive driving school in exchange for the fine. You can call your local municipal courthouse to find out more information about enrolling. This possibility is only available in certain areas.
Know your options if defensive driving school is not possible
Notify your auto insurance company
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court
Do not show up unprepared
If you choose to appear in court for your speeding ticket, be aware that you may be required to pay court costs. Here are several pieces of advice from an attorney if you want to try and beat your ticket: Know about the ticket you’ve received. Understand the elements that the state has listed the officer must prove against you. Ask to see the officer’s paperwork. If they don’t have it, you’ve got a good chance to get your ticket dismissed. Fight your speeding ticket by knowing what kind of device your speed was measured on. If on your ticket, you do not see the type of device used, you may be able to use this as a violation of your due-process rights and get the case dismissed.
Know what to say in court when fighting a speeding ticket
Here are a list of key terms and tips on verbage you should use when fighting a speeding ticket: Not guilty An absence of traffic It was less than 5 – 10 mph over the speed limit Weather conditions Explain in detail Absence of speed limit signs Stay respectful and level headed Remember that speeding tickets are completely preventable. If you drive at or below the posted speed limit all of the time, you will never have to worry about the hassle of a speeding ticket.
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