Paying Traffic Tickets

Everyone, and some more than others, has gotten a traffic ticket at one time or another. It could've been a speeding ticket, those more than 10 mph, but under 20 mph over the posted speed limits are the most common. Running a red light, passing in the right lane, running a stop sign, or refusing to yield are all high dollar fines; in most states averaging between $200 - $300.

Depending on where you live, with New York and Los Angeles at the top of the list, these tickets will run close to $350. The police department finally got my attention when they raised the fines this high. I mean that's a car payment, 2 week's groceries, gas for the month, need I go on. The purpose for fines and payments is to deter bad drivers from making a habit of collecting tickets. Collect enough of them without paying the fines and they will suspend your license or admit you to the county jail, or both.

For the average driver who gets the occasional ticket, one every 4 or 5 years or so, chances are you that you will just pay the fine. Some of you will go ahead and pay the fine anyway, but then the rest of you just aren't really sure what you should do. It really appears that you were not at fault and the $300-$400 ticket plus court fees is quite a chunk out of your paycheck. If you're not sure whether to pay it or contest it, there are a few hard and fast rules for whether to take a ticket to court and contest it.

Consider these:

Are there any pictures you could use to determine your innocence? Any signs, marks on the road, directional signs hidden by brush, oil on the road? Take some pictures just in case you go to court.

Can you obtain a written and notarized account from an onlooker that states your case?

Is there a map, or other instructional material that explains the situation?

Judges love pictures, and with cell phones everywhere that's easy to do nowadays. They like them because there is no discrimination against tangible proof, so if you can find a way to make your case by using something concrete, take it to court. The odds that you will win are overwhelmingly in your favor. If you have nothing but, "I didn't see the sign", or "I know the light was yellow......" just go ahead and pay the fine.

Here's the protocol:

If you decide to go to court, set the date on all the calendars you use. You don't want to forget about it or have the 30 days they give you run out.

When the date comes around, you'll go in to the court and you'll have the arraignment. This is where you'll officially state "Guilty, Not guilty, or No contest." (No contest means that you admit to the offense, with extenuating circumstances) If you state "not guilty' then they will give you another date in order to present your case.

When the second date arrives, dress for success. This means that you wear either a shirt and tie with nice jeans or pants, or a dress, nice outfit, or a skirt and shirt outfit, if you are a female.. If you want to win your case, show the Judge that you respect the courtroom by not wearing T-shirts and jeans or cut-offs.

Don't forget to take your evidence with you, as well as your picture ID. Be sure to arrive at the courthouse at least 15 minutes early. If you plan that, then you won't be late. You don't want to be late and miss them calling your name. This is your chance to appear as a responsible and trustworthy citizen.

Plan ahead of time what you are going to say about your case and be polite and say "Yes judge, or No, your honor, etc.".

After you have stated your case, it's not in your hands any longer. Don't get agitated and jump in with more details. The Judge might ask you another question or two, offering you your final word, and that will be it. Chances are he will make his decision quickly.

One thing you can ask for is extended time to pay off the ticket amount. Usually 60 or 90 days can be expected.

Good Luck!