How to Appeal a Speeding Camera Ticket

Cameras are set on major roads to catch speeders.

If you have been wrongfully accused of speeding by a camera, you can fight the ticket through an appeal.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of speeding ticket

Instructions

1. Make sure the ticket is a legitimate speeding ticket. Some police departments trick you into responding to a ticket with information that can be used against you later in court. If you are not convinced you have a fake ticket, contact your city's court to see if any action was filed against you.

2. Formally initiate the appeal of the ticket. The exact process varies by city and state, but you will need to inform the court that issued your ticket of your intent to contest the ticket. This can be done by mail, telephone or, in most major cities, via a website. The ticket will have more information on how to initiate the appeal.

3. Gather evidence that supports your claim. When the ticket is sent to you, it is usually accompanied by at least one photo of you allegedly speeding. Look for anything obscuring the license plate or the driver. Also see how fast the camera claimed you were going. Speeding 5 mph or less over the limit may be discreditable. Look for evidence at the place where the camera is positioned. Is there a warning about the camera? Is the camera damaged?

4. Appear at your appointed court date. You may actually be arraigned at this time, and you simply state whether you plead guilty or not guilty of speeding. If this is the case, you will be assigned an actual trial date.

5. Present your evidence to the judge when asked. Refute the prosecution's evidence wherever possible. Do not get angry or do anything that disregards the seriousness of the situation. Point out any discrepancies in the pictures or video you were given.

Tips & Warnings

• More often than not, the judges tend to side against you, so be prepared to accept defeat.

• Some cities offer deals where you pay the fine and take traffic school, and in exchange the ticket won't show up on your driving record.

• If you know you are guilty of speeding, it may be best to pay the fine.

• When in court, always be courteous. Bad behavior can result in fines or jailtime.

• The writer of this article is not an attorney, nor otherwise authorized to practice law. This how-to should be regarded as a general approach to appealing and not as legal advice. Always consult an attorney authorized to practice by your state's Bar association for any legal questions you may have.

References

• Highway Robbery: Camera Tips