Almost everyone experiences getting a traffic ticket at one point or another. Most of the time, they are valid and you probably know exactly why you got it. Unfortunately, there are also times when bogus traffic tickets are issued. When this happens you may feel overwhelmed with frustration and confusion. Traffic tickets are expensive and can skyrocket your insurance. So you don’t want to pay one if you don’t have to, especially if you’ve done nothing wrong.
Thankfully, there are practical ways to deal with tickets that will help keep your record clean and your wallet full. Here’s what you should do if your traffic ticket is bogus!
Avoid The Ticket Altogether
The best way to handle a bogus traffic ticket is to avoid getting it in the first place. Typically, bogus traffic tickets are given because you appear to do something wrong. You can minimize the chances of this happening by understanding safe driving practices and keeping your eyes on the road. Here are a few ways to avoid getting a traffic ticket.
Don’t Accelerate Too Quickly
In many states, drag racing is defined by the law as a competitive attempt to out-distance each over a predetermined course. By this definition, you can be issued a citation for drag racing even if you never exceed the speed limit.
For example, if you and a friend are “racing” each other to a restaurant and both accelerate quickly at the stoplight to try to pass one another, an officer may pull you over and issue you a citation for drag racing. Understanding legal definitions and what you may be given a ticket for will help you avoid driving in a way that could result in you being pulled over.
Don’t Drive Distracted
Another way to get a ticket is to drive distracted. Without even meaning to break any laws, distracted driving may cause you to miss a stop sign, run a red light, or swerve on the road. Any of these actions and more may cause an officer to pull you over and issue a ticket due to reckless driving. Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for accidents. Take care of distractions such as makeup, music, directions, etc. before you leave your home so you can focus on safe driving while on the road.
What To Do If You’re Pulled Over
If you’re pulled over it’s important to know how to respond. Routine traffic stops are one of the most dangerous activities for officers because they never know who they’re pulling over and what they might have in their vehicle. Following some simple tips will help an officer feel safer, and potentially even help you catch a break and get let off with a warning.
When pulled over, immediately turn on your hazard lights to let the officer know you see them and are looking for a safe place to pull over, away from traffic. Officers don’t like standing on the side of a busy street any more than you do. Look for a parking lot or wide shoulder to pull into before coming to a stop.
Roll down all your windows. While this may seem annoying and unnecessary, especially if it’s cold or raining, it allows the officer to see into your vehicle while they’re approaching. This allows them to feel more comfortable with you as they know exactly who is in the car and whether or not they pose a serious threat. Once you’ve come to a stop, be aware how you should speak with the officer, especially if he tries to issue a bogus ticket.
Don’t Argue With The Officer
Regardless of why you were pulled over, you may be tempted to argue with the officer issuing your citation. However, this may only aggravate the officer and can potentially cause you to be issued another ticket that you do deserve. If you’re pulled over, stay calm and in control of your emotions. Although your mind may be racing 100mph, collect yourself and be polite and respectful to the officer. Correctly handling your interaction with an officer may even help you catch a break and be let off with a warning.
Although unfortunate, officers are only human and can make mistakes. Furthermore, equipment such as radar guns used to identify how fast you were driving can malfunction. The officer likely isn’t issuing a ticket just because they’re in a bad mood. They’re probably convinced that you did something deserving of a ticket, even if inaccurate information led to that belief. Rather than arguing with the officer, simply accept the ticket, and be prepared to take further action once you’re home.
Consult A Traffic Ticket Attorney
Depending on the severity of your ticket, you may be facing down several potential consequences including:
- Ticket fee
- Car being impound
- Increased insurance rates
- Suspension of license
- Etc
Rather than quietly accepting these consequences, reach out to a qualified traffic ticket attorney. There are businesses out there that make it their mission to help drivers in need. Most of these attorneys offer free consultations. Reach out to find out how you can take your bogus traffic ticket to court and have the fees dismissed.
Even if your ticket can’t be completely waived, traffic attorneys can often have the fee amount reduced as well as other consequences dismissed. This may include keeping points off of your record, which will help keep your insurance rates down.
Due to extra fees, traffic tickets can end up costing far more than the initial fee. A traffic court attorney will help you navigate these fees and identify which can be waived to ensure you only face minimal consequences for any alleged infraction.
We Can Help!
At Traffic Buddy, we believe that every individual should have access to legal representation for any traffic-related charges. From tickets to forfeiture of vehicles, we make it our mission to help provide all the facts to help ensure you receive the minimum possible penalties for any alleged infraction. If you need traffic court representation, reach out today!