Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Without Being Pulled Over?

You can get a speeding ticket without being pulled over by the police. The police can send a traffic ticket in the mail after a speeding incident. The most common use of non-stop speeding tickets is with traffic cameras. You can challenge a speeding ticket in traffic court to avoid a mark on your driving record.

Traffic laws vary by state. In some states, speeding and red light cameras are not legal. To find out how to fight a non-stop traffic ticket, speak with a speeding violation lawyer for legal advice.

Understanding Speeding Tickets Without a Traffic Stop

Most speeding tickets involve a police officer observing a vehicle that appears to be driving faster than the speed limit. Police only need reasonable suspicion to pull you over for a traffic stop. After they pull you over, they can detain you for a short period to look for other violations. They can write you a speeding ticket if they have probable cause to believe you were speeding.

There are a few situations where you can get a speeding ticket without an in-person traffic stop by the police.

• Speed cameras
• Speeding ticket after an accident
• Speeding tickets when police can make a stop

Generally, police officers must have probable cause to issue a traffic ticket for speeding. Probable cause involves a reasonable belief that the driver was speeding based on the individual facts and circumstances. Police can base a speeding ticket on a radar gun, observing the vehicle speed, or the circumstances surrounding a traffic accident.

Speed Cameras and Mailed Citations

Speed cameras are the most common situation where drivers get a traffic ticket without a traffic stop. Speed camera technology measures a vehicle’s speed at a certain point on the road. Most speed cameras use lasers or radar devices. The device records the speed, time, date, and location. The cameras can take a series of pictures of the speeding vehicle, showing:

• Vehicle license plate
• Vehicle make, model, and color
• Image of the driver

The information is reviewed to determine whether to issue a moving violation. Generally, the ticket goes to the address of the vehicle’s registered owner. The owner can review the speeding ticket and decide whether to challenge the ticket in traffic court or pay the fine.

Are Speed Cameras Legal?

Generally, courts have upheld speed cameras to issue traffic violations when they follow certain rules. However, some states do not allow speed cameras. These include states without speed camera programs and laws prohibiting the cameras. States with laws prohibiting speed cameras include:

• Maine
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• South Carolina
• Texas
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

In states with speed cameras, the state may still limit speed camera use. Some states leave it up to the local municipalities to use speed cameras. Other states only allow speed detection cameras in school zones, railroad crossings, and road work zones. Talk to a local traffic violation attorney to learn about speed camera laws in your area.

Legal Rights and Options

Speeding tickets can cost less than $100 to more than $1,000, depending on your speed and state law. They can also put points on your driving record, increasing car insurance costs. If you have too many traffic violations, you can lose your driver’s license. After you get a speeding ticket in the mail, you have a few options:

• Admit guilt and pay the fine
• Request a hearing to challenge the ticket
• Contest the ticket by mail
• Hire a traffic law attorney to handle your speeding ticket

You can simply pay the ticket. If you aren’t worried about a traffic citation on your DMV record and can afford the ticket, it is the fastest way to resolve your speeding ticket. If you don’t have any recent traffic violations, you may be eligible for traffic school. Completing a traffic school safety program lets you keep the ticket off your record.

You can also show up to traffic court to challenge the violation. You need to prepare your case if you want to challenge a speeding ticket. The judge does not want to hear excuses or that you didn’t know you were speeding. Do some research and gather evidence to support your defense.

You can contest a ticket by mail without showing up in person. State your defenses and provide any supporting evidence. The court will review your response and decide whether to issue a fine, reduce the fine, or drop the case. You can also file an appeal.

Legal Advice and Resources

A traffic lawyer can help you avoid the consequences of a speeding ticket. Your lawyer can review your case and help identify any legal defenses. Defenses may include:

• You were not the owner of the vehicle at the time of the ticket
• Your vehicle or plates were stolen
• Someone else was driving your vehicle at the time
• Errors on the ticket or video

Don’t ignore a traffic camera ticket. If you don’t take care of the speeding ticket, the fines can increase or go to collections. Ignoring a court hearing can also result in a bench warrant for your arrest. For legal questions about a speeding ticket you get in the mail, talk to a local speeding ticket attorney.