Want To Contest A Traffic Ticket? Here’s How

A traffic ticket of any kind, whether it’s a parking violation or a speeding citation, is going to cost you money. And if you don’t take care of it right away, it can affect your car insurance too.

But what if you’re not at fault? How can you effectively contest the traffic ticket before the fine is due?

Traffic Ticket Penalties

Each type of traffic violation carries different fines and penalties. For instance, a parking ticket will not show up on your driving record, but you’ll have to pay a fine. If you get enough parking tickets and do not pay them, the officer writing the ticket may instead decide to put a boot on your vehicle or tow it away. Then not only will you have to pay the ticket, you’ll have to pay to retrieve your car from impound as well.

Also, unpaid parking tickets will affect the status of your driver’s license. If you accrue too many points, your license may be suspended, revoked or you may not be able to renew it. This in turn affects your insurability and may cause your auto insurance premium to go up.

A violation such as speeding, going through a stoplight or illegally passing is a more serious issue. These citations carry points that will go on your driving record. It takes a year or two for the points on your driving record to clear, depending on whether you get any more tickets. While some violations are considered only infractions, others, like reckless or drunk driving, can be classified as a misdemeanor or criminal offenses, which could potentially carry probation or jail time.

Contesting a Traffic Ticket

If you want to contest a simple fine, such as a parking ticket, the first thing you should do is take pictures of your car when you first see the ticket. Perhaps the parking restrictions were not posted or they were hard to read. Maybe your car broke down and you got a ticket before you were able to get towing.

Once you record evidence to present to the civil parking unit, examine the ticket. It should list the office or department that you should contact. In some cases, even if you prove that your parking ticket should not have been issued, the city or town may not fully remove the penalty. You may still have to pay a portion of the charge.

Contesting a moving violation is more difficult, and you should consult a lawyer if your case ends up going to trial. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you may be able to find free legal help at a clinic, or a lawyer who works on an income-based scale by inquiring at the courthouse.

Need Towing?

You can avoid getting certain types of parking and traffic tickets by having a reliable towing service on call — trust Stauffer’s Towing to be there when you need help.