How to Know if You Should Fight a Ticket

A traffic ticket is an inconvenience, but fighting the ticket can be equally frustrating.

Getting a speeding ticket or moving violation can be a costly and frustrating experience, especially if you feel the ticket was unwarranted. Fighting the ticket in court is always an option, but the doing so will require time and energy. To decide whether or not to fight a ticket, carefully consider the specifics of the situation and the events that led to the ticket.

Instructions

1. Decide whether or not you believe the charge against you is factual. If, for instance, the ticket states you were driving 10 miles over the speed limit, consider whether that matches your memory of the situation. If the claims on the ticket are correct, there is often little reason to fight it.

2. Consider if the offense was a result of some sort of confusion caused by a recent change in the local driving laws. For instance, if you are pulled over for failing to stop at a stop sign that was recently installed, you may have reason to fight a ticket. If you drive the same route each day and encounter a stop sign you've never seen before, there is a sufficient argument that your failure to stop wasn't because you willfully disregarded traffic laws. There is certainly no guarantee you will win the case, but it may be worth a try.

3. Carefully consider the costs of fighting a ticket. Most court times are set during daytime hours, which means you may have to miss work or use vacation time. Weigh the likelihood of winning, your perceived guilt, and the time you will need to prepare for and appear in court against the cost of paying the ticket.

Tips & Warnings

• If you currently have several points on your license, it may be worthwhile to attempt to fight the ticket. Excessive points on a license can lead to increased insurance rates, and even a suspended license. In this case, it is always worth your while to at least attempt to fight a ticket, as the added points will lead to extensive costs.

• Officers frequently use speed-recording devices to back up their telling of the situation. Even if the officer doesn't have conclusive proof, you may be in a situation where it's the officer's word against yours. If that's the case, pay the ticket and more closely observe speed limits going forward.

References

• Nolo: Five Strategies for Fighting a Traffic Ticket