A Brief Guide to Traffic Tickets (And How to Fight Them)
No one wants to get a traffic ticket. Luckily, the chances are good that you won’t have to: research shows that there’s just a 1% chance of the average driver nationwide getting pulled over in any given year.
Of course, if you do find yourself part of that unlucky number, it can be hard to figure out your next steps—especially if you don’t think you deserve it. Let’s go over a few common reasons people get traffic tickets, as well as how to pay them or fight them, depending on your preferences.
Why Do People Get Traffic Tickets?
A traffic ticket is a sign that you are accused of breaking a traffic-related law. In general, there are a few reasons you might get a ticket, though the laws on violations will differ from state to state. Here are some common ones:
- Speeding
- Red light camera
- Reckless driving
- Expired driver’s license or tags
- Seat belt violation
- Helmet violation
- No proof of insurance
- Hit and run
- Texting while driving
- Racing on a public street
In most cases, the officer writing the ticket will explain the reason for the violation, which is your chance to gather information and ask questions if you hope to fight the ticket in the future.
How Much Is a Traffic Ticket?
The cost of your traffic ticket will depend on the type of violation and the state in which you were driving. You may also receive higher violations if it’s not your first time getting ticketed or for more dangerous violations. In general, however, you can expect to spend between $120-200 on fines.
How Do You Pay a Traffic Ticket?
Note that paying your ticket means admitting guilt, which in turn means that you won’t have an opportunity to fight it in the future.
The details will depend on the state, but the majority of states make it easy to pay traffic tickets online. Many states have a simple online traffic ticket lookup system to allow you to see the cost of your ticket and pay by credit card. In most cases, you can also pay by phone or by mail.
Should You Go to Court for a Traffic Ticket?
If you intend to fight a traffic ticket, you’ll need to appear in traffic court at the appointed time.
In some cases, you may get lucky: if the officer who wrote your ticket isn’t present, you’ll often be able to win your case without issue. However, if the officer does show up, you’ll have more work to do. It can help to bring the statements of any witnesses, photos and videos, and other evidence related to your case.
To ensure victory, it’s best to reach out to an experienced legal team for advice and support. For more information, visit kuboshlaw.com. An expert can help you search for ways to reduce your fines or even get your ticket thrown out altogether.
Avoid Traffic Ticket Fines
Knowing the traffic laws in your area can help you avoid most fines for traffic tickets, but it’s also helpful to understand your options if you do get a ticket. Do your homework to find the right legal help in your area, as an experienced lawyer can be a great asset if you need to defend yourself in court.
Looking for more advice on making the most of tricky situations? Be sure to check out our other guides for additional insights.
