How to Challenge a Speeding Ticket
Getting a speeding ticket can feel like a hopeless situation: not only do you have to pay a fine, but you risk the possibility of your insurance costs going up. There is always the option of fighting the ticket rather than just giving up and taking the penalties, especially if you feel the ticket was undeserved. By doing a little research and being prepared, you just may be able to go to court, make your case and walk out a winner.
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Instructions
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Make a written request to both the police station that issued you the ticket and the prosecutor's office requesting a copy of your ticketing officer's notes. Determine the officer's reasoning so you can get a head start on your defense and not be caught off guard in court.
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Check to see how detailed the notes are. Any detail that is omitted can be used to challenge the officer's point of view or memory.
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Gather as many facts as you possibly can that would raise reasonable doubt. Prepare a diagram of where you and the officer were to show how he may not have been able to accurately see you. Take photographs of an obscured speed limit sign, or even bring in witnesses.
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Argue that your speeding was legally justified. This defense can be used if there was a medical emergency or any instance in which it would have been more unsafe to drive the posted speed limit than to speed, such as avoiding an accident.
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Avoid using any defense that puts you at fault, such as being on a cell phone or simply not paying attention.
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Tips & Warnings
Speeding ticket procedures vary from state to state, so look online at your state's laws. Dress professionally for court and keep a calm attitude. The judge's impression of you can incline him to think negatively or positively about you, so make that work in your favor.
Taking the time off work and paying possible court costs could cost you more time and money than the ticket is worth. Finding out if your insurance rates would go up if you plead guilty may help you decide what option is more affordable for you in the long term.
