Traffic Offenses

Dealing With Traffic Tickets: A Guide for Drivers

Getting pulled over and handed a traffic ticket is never fun. Those flashing lights in your rearview mirror make your stomach drop, and that piece of paper the officer hands you can end up costing you hundreds of dollars. Traffic tickets suck, but they don’t have to ruin your day–or your bank account. This article will walk you through the most common traffic violations, penalties, and defenses so you can handle your traffic ticket like a pro.

The Most Common Traffic Violations

Speeding is probably the most familiar traffic offense out there. We’ve all been there, running late and pushing the speed limit just a little too far. Most speeding tickets are for going 1 to 15 mph over the limit. The faster you go over the limit, the steeper the fine gets. Anything over 15 mph over can get pricey, fast.

Some other common traffic tickets include:

• Running red lights and stop signs
• Improper turns like illegal U-turns
• Failure to yield when merging or at intersections
• Texting, talking on the phone or other distracted driving
• Driving without insurance or a valid license
• Equipment violations like broken taillights or expired registration stickers

Penalties for Traffic Tickets

The penalties for traffic violations vary widely depending on the offense, your driving record, and local laws. For minor violations like speeding or rolling through a stop sign, you’ll usually face fines of $100 to $300. Points may also be added to your license–get enough points and your license could be suspended.

More serious offenses like reckless driving, DUIs, and hit-and-runs can result in jail time, license suspension or revocation, probation, community service, and thousands of dollars in fines and legal fees. Your auto insurance rates will also likely go through the roof.

If you fail to pay your traffic ticket or miss your court date, you could face additional penalties like:

• Increased fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Arrest warrants
• Vehicle impoundment
• Wage garnishment

So whatever you do, don’t ignore that ticket!

Fighting Your Traffic Ticket in Court

No one wants to just pay a traffic ticket. Thankfully, you have options to fight back in traffic court.

Strategies to Beat Your Ticket

• Question the officer’s judgment – For violations like speeding, the officer has to make a subjective call on whether you were driving safely. You may be able to argue your speed was reasonable given the conditions.
• Dispute the officer’s version of events – If it’s your word against the officer’s, you may be able to convince the judge that the officer is mistaken or lying.
• Raise a defense – Defenses like necessity (you had to break the law to prevent harm) or mistake of fact (you made an honest error) could get your ticket dismissed.
• Hope the officer doesn’t show up – If the officer who issued your ticket is a no-show, the judge will typically dismiss the case. Just showing up boosts your odds!

Getting Traffic School

For minor traffic tickets, traffic school is often an option in lieu of paying your fine. When you complete traffic school, the ticket doesn’t go on your record or impact your insurance. Rules vary by state, but generally:

• It’s only available once every 12-18 months
• You can’t have a CDL or other professional license
• The ticket can’t be for reckless driving, DUI, etc.
• You have to request traffic school at your court date

Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

While you can fight a traffic ticket on your own, a lawyer’s expertise can really increase your odds of success. An attorney can help you:

• Identify defenses specific to your case
• Negotiate with the prosecutor for a lesser charge
• Request traffic school if you’re eligible
• Get the charges dismissed entirely

Many traffic lawyers offer free consultations, so it doesn’t hurt to discuss your options. Legal fees typically range from $100 to $300. It’s a small price to pay to keep points off your license and your insurance rates in check.

Tips for Avoiding Traffic Stops

Let’s be real–no one likes getting pulled over. Here are some tips to avoid traffic stops in the first place:

• Obey the speed limit and traffic laws
• Allow plenty of time to get to your destination
• Avoid distractions like cell phones
• Make sure your vehicle is well-maintained
• Follow at a safe distance behind other cars
• Use your signals when turning and changing lanes
• Be respectful if you do get pulled over

Staying alert and driving defensively makes it less likely you’ll catch the eye of law enforcement. But if those flashing lights do appear, stay calm. Being argumentative or disrespectful will only make the situation worse.

Provide your license, registration and proof of insurance when asked. Don’t admit fault or incriminate yourself. If you get a ticket, remain polite as the officer explains your options. Vent your frustration when you’re safely down the road!

When to Lawyer Up

While a lawyer isn’t mandatory for traffic tickets, legal help pays off in certain situations:

• You’re facing jail time or license suspension
• The officer really did make a mistake
• You have a defense that could get the ticket dismissed
• You’ve got a ton of points on your license
• Your job depends on having a clean driving record

An attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you or get them dropped entirely. At the very least, they can advise you on the best course of action given your specific circumstances.

Don’t Let Traffic Tickets Ruin Your Day

Dealing with traffic tickets is a pain, but a little knowledge goes a long way. Understanding the common offenses, penalties, defenses and how to fight your ticket in traffic court helps take away some of the fear and uncertainty. Drive safe out there, but if you do get pulled over, don’t panic. With the right strategy, you can limit the damage to your wallet, insurance rates and driving record.