Fighting a Speeding Ticket: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you were pulled over for exceeding the speed limit and received a speeding ticket from a police officer, you can pay the ticket and move on with your life. However, you may be thinking about fighting your ticket. Violating traffic laws can lead to fines, your insurance company raising your insurance rates, mandatory traffic school, or a license suspension.

If you think your speeding violation is worth fighting, you can discuss your case with an experienced traffic ticket attorney. They can help you explore your legal rights.

Understanding Your Speeding Ticket

Every state differs slightly in how it handles speeding tickets. You can’t expect the traffic laws in California to mirror those in New York, even though they may share similarities. You must understand every section of your speeding ticket.

Type of Violation

The speeding ticket should provide the particular alleged code violation. For example, you need to know if you are suspected of traveling faster than the posted speed limit on the speed limit sign or whether you’re accused of running a red light or stop sign. You need to understand the alleged violation.

Circumstances of the Alleged Offense

Your ticket will also typically provide the details of your particular case. This includes the date, time, location, traffic law violation, and personal and vehicle information, such as driver’s license number and motor vehicle make and model. It may also include your insurance policy number.

Information About Resolving the Ticket

The back or bottom of the ticket will probably provide options for resolving the ticket and consequences for failure to resolve the ticket. Common pieces of information contained in the resolution section include:

• The issuing police department or agency for the traffic court
• Important deadlines or due dates for payment or responding
• Fines and penalty information for the speed law violated
• Legal information and rights, such as a court trial or the ability to write a letter contesting the speeding ticket
• Consequences if you fail to respond

Speeding violations can have negative consequences, including increased auto insurance rates or a driver’s license suspension.

Steps To Prepare Your Defense

Building a strong defense requires understanding the traffic infraction the law enforcement officer accused you of violating. Preparing your defense also involves evaluating the type of evidence you will need to support your defense and whether you have evidence to support your position.

Once you have a firm understanding of the violation and the evidence that will support your defense, you know whether you are in a position to fight the speeding ticket. There are instances when you may want to pay the fine. Paying the ticket may be the best option if you do not have a reasonable defense.

Gathering Necessary Evidence

Presenting evidence in your case is critical. Whether you have a court date for a trial, you must attend in person, or if you will present your evidence in a trial by written declaration, gathering evidence is vital.

Helpful evidence in a speeding ticket case can include the following:

• Witness statements
• Photographs or dashcam footage
• Evidence refuting the speed-detecting device or method (i.e., radar, LIDAR, or pacing)

A traffic ticket attorney can review the circumstances of your infraction and explore your options.

Tips for a Successful Outcome

Getting legal help can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. However, you may have a clear defense that may make it more suitable for you to present the evidence yourself.

Common defenses for speeding tickets include the following:

• You were speeding due to an emergency
• You challenge the accuracy of the tracked speed
• The police officer doesn’t show up in court to respond to your questions
• Errors on the traffic ticket

Presenting your defense organizationally and logically can increase the chances of a successful outcome.

When To Seek Legal Advice

You must figure out how to fight a speeding ticket if you have grounds to contest the ticket. Due to the impact of your driving record on your insurance premiums and your ability to maintain your license, it can be well worth the effort to challenge a speeding ticket. 

A traffic ticket can have profound monetary and legal implications for you. If you have questions about handling a traffic ticket or a court appearance to contest a speeding ticket, speak with an experienced traffic violation attorney.