How to fight a speeding ticket and win

Ways to fight speeding tickets and win, without spending large amounts of money in legal fees.

So you’ve been pulled over by a local or state police for speeding. Thoughts of increased insurance rates, fines and points on your license fill your mind. You are probably thinking what you can do to get out of this dilemma. While there are certain cases that are hard to get out of, there are also times when you can fight a speeding ticket – and win!

First, when you are on the road and the police have stopped you, the first thing you should do, despite how strange this may sound, is to admit your mistake, and show full respect to the officer who has stopped you. Keep in mind, they are simply doing their job and that should be respected. It’s also a good idea to have your driver’s license and registration in hand before the walk over to your car. This will display to the officer that you are not a trouble maker. Again, as weird as this may sound, many law enforcement officers will appreciate the show of respect. Remain calm when talking with the officer also. A positive attitude will go a long way in many cases. It doesn’t hurt to ask the officer to let you off the hook either. If you have a clean driving record some times the officer will let you off with just a warning. However, there are times when you are stopped by an officer who is “by the book” and will issue you that ticket nonetheless. This is not the end of the matter at hand. There is something you can do to avoid the ramifications of a speeding ticket.

To begin with, look at the ticket you have received. Every ticket will have a box, usually on the back, that will ask you to plead either innocent or guilty. If you plead innocent, you will be issued a court appearance date to stand before a judge. Once you arrive to court on your day of judgment, you will get an opportunity to talk with the town or county prosecutor before seeing the judge. Explain to them the circumstances that took place the day or evening you received your speeding ticket. If you have a clean driving record, explain this to the prosecutor. You can negotiate a deal that will result in no points on your license. In effect, you will be pleading guilty to a lesser charge, one that results in no points on your license for moving violations. This is good news for you. The reason being is the following. If your license is not assessed moving violation points, your car insurance rates will not increase. This will save you money over the long haul. Also, many states (if not all states) will assess a State Surcharge for every two points you accumulate on your license. The minimum is about $100, with a maximum of $200 for every two points, varying from state to state. Although you will still have to pay a fine to the court, it will be a lesser amount (including court costs) and you will retain your clean driving record.

Finally, if you know of anyone who is a member of a law enforcement agency, ask them of the possibility of getting a Police Benevolent Association (PBA) card. Although this is clearly NOT a license to break the law, many if not all police officers and state troopers will let you go with just a warning.