Tips on Beating A Speeding Ticket – Guest Post

Getting your first speeding ticket can be a stressful experience. However, apart from the stress, a speeding ticket can also be a financial burden if you don’t handle your speeding ticket accordingly. While getting a speeding ticket or experiencing any type of vehicular offense is not fun, it does not mean you are doomed.

Below are some of the tips you can use to beat a speeding ticket and prevent it from turning into another financial nightmare:

Tip #01: Stay calm and respectful.

When pulled over, ensure the police officer pulling you over would feel at ease and not threatened in any way. It is also crucial that you do not argue with the officer. Also, never attempt to persuade the officer to recant the citation.

Typically, the officer will head back to the car to draft the information required for the citation. You will then be presented with a paper copy of the ticket for you to sign. Your signature won’t mean you agree with the ticket. However, it is important that you sign it.

Tip #02: Check your contact information on the ticket copy.

Once you have signed the ticket, you are also given a copy of the ticket. On the ticket, you can find your personal and contact information, the name of the officer, the location of the offense, and the posted speed limit.

You will also find the speed you were going when you were asked to pull over as well as your initial court date. If any of the information on the ticket is correct, make sure you notify the officer right away so it can be changed accordingly.

Tip #03: Ensure you know how to handle the citation.

Typically, the officer will give you verbal instruction on what needs to be done to handle the citation. Instructions given on a piece of paper might also be provided for you to refer to. If the officer doesn’t explain what you need to do next, you can find the information you are looking for on the ticket.

Tip #04: Find out how you can pay your speeding ticket.

As soon as you arrive at your destination, follow the instructions on how you can pay your speeding citation. Typically, you have the option to pay through the phone, online, or at your local municipal courthouse. You will also find a contact number in your speeding ticket to call if you have any concerns or questions.

If it is your first speeding ticket, you might be permitted to attend a defensive driving school rather than paying the fine. You can also get in touch with your local municipal courthouse if you want to know more about attending a defensive driving class. However, this option is available only in certain areas.

If attending a defensive driving class is an option that is not available for you, your other option would be to pay the fine in full before the court date. Another option would be to see if the citation can be dismissed.

If you opt to appear in court for the speeding ticket, you need to be aware that you might be required to pay court costs.

Tip #05: Notify your auto insurance company.

After getting the speeding ticket, consider notifying your automobile insurance company right away. In most cases, the automobile insurance rate increases after one (or more) speeding tickets.

In worst-case scenarios, your automobile insurance company might drop your policy altogether. This is especially true if you accumulate multiple speeding tickets in just a short period.

Final Thoughts

Apart from making sure you follow the steps above, it can also make a world of difference if you show up to the court prepared if you appear in court. It is also recommended that you seek the advice of a seasoned attorney so you can be guided accordingly.

About the Author:

Stephanie Gordon currently works as the Content Marketing Strategist for the Arizona Criminal Law Team. Aside from spreading awareness about criminal law and defense, she enjoys reading and trail running with her family and friends.