How To Write a Letter To Contest Your Traffic Ticket

While it may be faster to pay a traffic ticket and keep it moving, there are some instances where it’s worth fighting the ticket. One way to fight a traffic ticket involves drafting a compelling letter to dispute your traffic ticket. It can go a long way. While it may not get you off the hook for your speeding ticket or other traffic violation, it just might. Anything that allows you to improve your driving record is worth a try.

If you need help drafting a traffic ticket appeal letter or anything related to traffic violations, speak with an experienced local traffic violation lawyer.

Importance of a Well-Written Contest Letter

You have the right to contest a traffic ticket. In some jurisdictions, you can write a letter to contest a ticket. If you can present a contest letter to the court, follow the steps to ensure your letter is persuasive and compelling. What’s compelling depends on the circumstances of your case.

In a letter to contest your traffic ticket, you can dispute the law enforcement officer’s version of the events when the circumstances warrant it. You may be able to provide witness statements from individuals who witnessed the event. Or your letter can explain that you made an illegal turn because it was your first time on that particular road, or you were lost. If the weather was an issue, explain that fact.

Key Elements of a Traffic Ticket Dispute Letter

Disputing a traffic ticket through a letter and winning your case doesn’t have to be complicated. Presenting a compelling argument in writing increases the chances of a favorable outcome in a traffic ticket dispute. Make sure your traffic dispute contains the key elements.

Your submission should address the issues of your case. In general, the letter should do the following:

• Explain the citation
• Explain the reasons why you believe the citation is inaccurate
• Support your reasons with evidence when you have it
• Make a respectful request as to what you want the court to do for you

Your response will vary based on the situation. For example, if you were caught on camera running a red light, your response would be different than if a police officer pulled you over based on a radar gun reading.

Steps to Crafting Your Letter

Gather the necessary information and evidence to support your case. The following steps will help you organize as you prepare to draft your letter.

1. Review the specifics of the traffic ticket: Review the specifics of the traffic ticket. If you no longer have the ticket, contact the court clerk, who can check your case by ticket or citation number.
2. Gather supporting evidence: This evidence may include any of the following:

• Witness statements that include their name and contact information
• Surveillance video or photos
• License plate numbers
• GPS data that supports your version of events
• Other documentation to support your defense

Once you have gathered all the necessary information and evidence, begin crafting your letter.

Sample Letter Template

A well-drafted letter can help you avoid a traffic ticket, whether a parking ticket, a ticket for violating the speed limit, or some other infraction.

Below is the sample format for a letter contesting a speeding ticket when the sign was obscured.

Your Name

Your Address

City, State, Zip code

Date

[Insert the name of the authority issuing the ticket]

[Address of the traffic division of the relevant authority]

[City, State, Zip code]

Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Speeding Ticket [Ticket Number]

Dear [Issuing Authority/To Whom It May Concern]

I am writing to contest a speeding ticket received on [date] in [location]. The ticket number is [insert ticket number].

I support road safety, but this citation was issued under circumstances that require the court to examine it more closely.

The ticket alleges that I was driving at a speed of [insert alleged speed] in an area where the speed limit is [speed limit].

After receiving the speeding ticket, I noticed that construction materials obscured the speed limit sign. The sign was covered, so I was unable to identify the posted speed limit sign clearly. Please refer to the photograph taken on the incident date, which shows the obscured speed limit sign.

Given the circumstances, I request that this ticket be reviewed and reconsidered. I value and respect the traffic laws designed to keep people safe, and I strive to follow them. I was unaware that the speed limit had changed, but I later discovered the speed limit sign was covered.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am happy to provide any additional details you may need to decide. Please contact me at [your phone number] or [your email address].

Sincerely

[Your full name]

Legal Advice for Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Whether you are a relatively new driver or have years of experience, you can find yourself with a ticket when you commit a traffic infraction and violate a traffic law. In cases where you have a reason to fight the ticket in traffic court, you’ll want to put up the best legal defense you can.

You can handle most traffic ticket disputes on your own. However, in cases where a ticket will significantly increase your insurance premiums or you face a driver’s license suspension or revocation, it’s a good idea to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney in your area.