Contesting a Traffic Ticket to Avoid Impact on Your Driving Record
Getting a traffic ticket can be frustrating, especially if it could affect your driving record and insurance rates. Whether it’s a speeding citation, a red-light violation, or a failure to signal, a traffic ticket can carry more than just a fine; it can come with long-term consequences. You don’t have to accept every ticket at face value. You have the right to contest it.
Understand Your Charges
Before you do anything else, read the ticket carefully. Look at the exact violation code listed and the description of the offense. It’s important to understand what law you’re accused of breaking. Sometimes, officers make mistakes in writing the ticket, including wrong dates, location, or vehicle information. These errors can sometimes be used to challenge the citation.
Check your state’s vehicle code online to read the law you allegedly violated. Understanding the statute can help determine if the officer observed a violation or made an assumption.
Check the Deadline to Respond
Every traffic ticket includes a deadline by which you must either pay the fine, appear in court, or request a hearing. Missing that date can result in additional penalties, including license suspension or a default guilty judgment. Mark the date on your calendar and set reminders.
Decide How to Plead
You typically have three options. You can plead guilty, which means you will pay the fine, and the ticket will go on your record. Pleading no contest means you aren’t admitting guilt but accepting the penalties. This is often used when you’re not contesting the ticket but want to avoid the hassle of court. A not-guilty plea is entered when you want to challenge the ticket and argue your case before a judge. If you plead not guilty, you’ll receive a date for your hearing. This is your chance to present evidence and make your case.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is the key to fighting any traffic ticket. What you collect will depend on the type of violation.
- Photographs or Videos: If you’re ticketed for running a stop sign, take pictures of the area if the sign was obscured by a tree or poorly placed.
- Witness Statements: If someone was in the car with you or observed the event from another vehicle, their statement could support you.
- Dashcam Footage: A dashcam provides a timestamped video of the event and may contradict the officer’s account.
- GPS Data: Some drivers have GPS logs from their phones or vehicle systems that show their location and speed.
- Weather Reports: If weather conditions affected your driving and contributed to a misunderstanding, a weather report might help explain your actions.
Complete a Defensive Driving Course
While North Carolina doesn’t have a standard traffic school that automatically dismisses tickets, some counties allow eligible drivers to take a defensive driving course to have their charges reduced or dismissed. Check with your county’s District Attorney’s Office or the court to see if this option is available. This route can help you avoid points on your driving record to prevent increased insurance premiums.
Hire an Attorney
Hiring a traffic ticket attorney might be a good idea if you’re facing a serious traffic charge or already have points on your record. While you can usually handle minor tickets alone, offenses like reckless driving, excessive speeding, or anything that puts your license at risk may require the help of an attorney. A skilled lawyer knows how the local court system works, understands the law, and may be able to spot problems in the case against you. They can even show up in court for you in many situations, saving you the hassle. If you rely on your license for work or already have high insurance premiums, a lawyer could save you much more than their fee.
Know the Possible Outcomes
The judge has several options after the hearing. They may dismiss the ticket entirely, resulting in no fines or points. The judge may reduce the fine or charge, meaning you may still have to pay something, but your record is protected. If the judge finds you guilty, you must pay the fine, and points may go on your record. If you lose your case, you may still be able to appeal.
Monitor Your Driving Record
After resolving your case, check your driving record to ensure it reflects the correct outcome. Mistakes can happen, and incorrect entries could cost you higher insurance rates or job opportunities if you drive for a living. You can order your record from your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online for a small fee.
Take Preventive Measures for the Future
Fighting a ticket is time-consuming and can be stressful. Even if you win, the best defense is avoiding tickets in the first place. Be aware of speed limits, traffic signs, and local driving laws. Using a dashcam and driving apps that alert you to speed zones can also help you stay within the law. Driving safely isn’t just about avoiding fines. It protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Let Kreider Attorneys at Law Work to Keep a Traffic Ticket Off Your Record
A simple traffic ticket can cost more than just a fine. It can damage your driving record, raise your insurance premiums, and even put your license at risk. With years of experience defending drivers just like you, Kreider Attorneys at Law will work to reduce or dismiss charges and help keep your driving record clean. Whether you drive for a living or want to protect your record, we’ll fight to keep your ticket from becoming a costly mistake. Contact Kreider Attorneys at Law at 336-770-2017 to schedule a consultation.