Wondering what you can do if you get pulled over? While you can always use your charm or come up with a compelling story to get out of a traffic ticket, there is no guarantee that it will work. If you do end up getting a traffic or parking ticket, paying the fine is not the only option. Not to mention, fines for certain violations can amount to up to a couple of hundred dollars. And not everyone has that kind of cash lying around.
Luckily, you have the right to dispute traffic and parking tickets. You can use a ticket lookup tool to search and contest your ticket easily. In this post, we’re sharing reasons why fighting a ticket is a good idea. Take a look.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
As soon as you pay a ticket, you automatically plead guilty to the violation you’ve been charged for. And this violation will likely show up in your driving record for several years. In fact, serious violations may show up in your record for the next 7 years. In particular, having a problematic driving record can increase your insurance premium. Moreover, it can be an issue if you want to drive for a ride-sharing service.
Avoid Points
Did you know that traffic violations add points to your record? Most violations carry 2 points, while some serious offenses can add 6 or more points to your driving record. If you collect a certain number of points within a given time frame, your driving license will be revoked for a specified length of time. For example, 12 points earned within 12 months will result in a 30-day suspension.
Use Lack of Evidence
Just because you got a ticket doesn’t mean all hope is lost. If you decide to take matters to traffic court, it’s your words against the officer. If they are unable to show valid evidence for charging you with a traffic violation, you can get your ticket dismissed.
Save Money
Paying a lone parking ticket may not be a big deal. However, it’s concerning if you are being charged with a serious moving violation. As previously mentioned, traffic tickets can be quite expensive. If you don’t have the money to pay the ticket, it’s better to contest it rather than be convicted by default.
Plead for a Lesser Offence
Paying for a ticket is an automatic admission of guilt. But fighting a ticket opens up many doors. For example, you can plead for a lesser offense and salvage your driving record.
Better Chance of Getting Charges Dismissed
Though this entirely depends on your luck, you have a better chance of getting your ticket dismissed if the police officer doesn’t show up.
Make Errors Work in Your Favor
Did the officer misidentify the highway on your ticket? Did they write a completely different make of car? Is a crucial section left incomplete by the officer? Did they list the wrong license plate number? You can use serious errors to work in your favor. You can use such eros to get the citation overturned.
Attend Traffic School
Certain jurisdictions allow drivers to attend traffic school in exchange for dismissing tickets or reducing violations. Not only can you avoid having your license suspended, but it can also help you keep insurance costs in check.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that claiming that you were not aware of a certain driving law won’t work. If you are planning to dispute traffic or parking tickets, it’s best to get an expert to take over your case. Seeking professional help improves your odds of getting a ticket dismissed.
