How to Negotiate a Speeding Ticket

Many states have increased enforcement of speed limits in construction zones.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported, in 2007, that the median fine for a speeding ticket for a first offense was $200. The NHTSA also stated that young males under 21 years were more likely to receive speeding tickets than any other demographic group. The NHTSA noted that states were increasing speed limit enforcement in construction and school zones to target the worst offenders. One way to avoid higher insurance premiums because of speeding convictions is to negotiate a lower penalty with the prosecutor.

Instructions

1. Know the range of penalties provided for by law for the offense. Speeding tickets carry a variety of penalties-- fines, points and even jail time for repeat offenders. Knowing the range of penalties will aid you in suggesting an alternate penalty or a reduced penalty to the prosecutor.

2. Know your driving record. If you are a first offender, you will have greater latitude to negotiate a reduction or even a dismissal of the charges. Repeated speeding offenses or other more serious traffic offenses will compromise any attempt to dismiss or reduce a speeding ticket.

3. Speak with the prosecuting attorney on the day of the court hearing and ask to enter into a plea agreement. If you have no prior offenses, ask to have the charges dismissed and agree to enroll in traffic (driver improvement) school. If you have prior moving violations on your driving record, ask the prosecutor to reduce the charges to violations that do not add points to your driving record.

4. Prepare your defense. Although prosecutors have discretion in bringing charges and recommending punishments, the judge is not obligated to honor those recommendations. Be prepared to defend your case before the judge by presenting your side of the events and by cross-examining the officer who wrote the ticket.

Tips & Warnings

• Some jurisdictions do not permit plea bargaining for traffic offenses. Check to see if plea bargaining is permitted by calling the office of the clerk of court in the jurisdiction where your court hearing will be held.

References

• Traffic Ticket Secrets: How to Plea Bargain a Traffic Ticket in Traffic Court
• Forbes: The Most Expensive States for Speeding Tickets 2007