Fighting traffic violations: 3 tips for getting off the hook

When you get a traffic violation, you may be worried about losing your license or having higher-than-usual insurance bills. Fortunately, you can fight any traffic ticket you receive to try to have it dropped before it hits your record.

Here are three tips to help you when you’re planning to fight a ticket. If you’re unsure if your ticket is worth fighting, then your attorney can give you more information on what to expect.

1. Don’t have an attitude

Whey you get pulled over, your first instinct may be to “cop an attitude,” but it’s better to be polite. Ask why you’re being stopped, and know your rights. If you are being stopped for a speeding violation, you shouldn’t have to let the officer in your vehicle or get out of the car in most cases. Follow directions, though, and if necessary, you can ask if you may call to verify the officer’s badge with the local station. In some cases, being kind to an officer is all it takes to avoid getting a ticket in the first place.

2. Show up to the hearing

Once you have the ticket in your hands, you’ll need to show up at the hearing. If you don’t show up, you’re essentially accepting the ticket and pleading guilty. If you do show up, go dressed nicely and be ready to plead not guilty.

3. Go to court and plead your case

If your case is not dismissed at the hearing, you’ll need to go to court to plead your case. Go to your trial and repeat that you are not guilty. Explain your situation. If the officer does not show up as a witness to your behavior, you may end up walking out without a penalty, but that’s not always the case.

Be prepared to fight your ticket if you have to go to court. You have everything to gain by fighting the ticket and nothing to lose, since you’ll face your original penalty if you are found guilty.