Speeding tickets can be expensive today. More and more, states are realizing that they can generate revenue simply by tacking on a little bit of an extra fine – even when the speeding happens in a municipality and you’re ticketed by local authorities. Depending on where you live, you could be looking at several hundred dollars in fines for a speeding ticket that’s around 5 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
For some people, especially younger drivers who are more likely to get speeding tickets, that can be a tough penalty. Fortunately, there are some things you may be able to do in order to reduce the severity of your fine, or at least make it easier to afford:
1 Show up for your court date
This, really, is the mandatory first step in reducing the cost of a speeding ticket. If you don’t show up for your court date, you’re expected to just pay the fine. If you don’t show up and don’t pay the fine, you can wind up being liable for penalties, as well. If you do show up, the worst that can happen is that you’ll leave still being liable for the amount of the original speeding ticket – no more.
2 Fight the ticket
In some cases, you could be looking at a speeding ticket that totals $1,000 or more, even for a first-time offender. In those cases, it’s often in your best interest to talk to a legal expert. Even if you’re not getting representation, you may be able to get some legal advice. Even asking the court to reduce the level of infraction so that there is a lesser penalty can be helpful. If you choose to fight the ticket outright, make sure you have a strong legal case. Simply hoping that the officer who wrote the ticket won’t show up to court is a terrible strategy – and one that doesn’t matter in most jurisdictions.
3 Ask for a delayed judgment
The court may have the ability to delay judgment on your speeding ticket. What that means is that, essentially, the court decides to leave your case open for a specific amount of time. Typically, this is around six months, although it may be shorter or longer based on the individual situation and the jurisdiction. During that time, you may be expected to attend a driver’s safety class. A the end of the delayed judgment period, if you haven’t received any additional tickets and if you’ve met other requirements such as attending a class, the court will dismiss your case.
4 Talk to the court about a payment plan
In some cases, you’re not going to get out of paying for that ticket. When that happens, you may have the option of paying for the ticket in installments. Rather than paying a $500 ticket all at once, you may be able to pay $100 per month for five months. Not all jurisdictions offer this kind of flexibility, but many do. Make sure if you go this route that you make all of your payments and that you make them on time, or you could face hefty fines and penalties.
5 Discuss other options with the court.
A reduced fine, delayed judgment, or payment plan may not be options for you, depending on the jurisdiction in which the infraction occurred. That doesn’t mean you don’t have options. In a worst case scenario, explain your financial situation to the court. Show that you’re willing to make restitution, and that you’ll do whatever is necessary. Demonstrate remorse and be respectful, and you might find that the judge or magistrate has some leeway, and can find a way to reduce the impact of that ticket.
6 Break the speeding habit
Let’s be honest: the best way to avoid worrying about paying a speeding ticket is to not speed. For some, learning not to speed can be a lengthy process. If you’ve been speeding all of your adult life, it can be hard to change. With rising fines and greater enforcement, however, it may just be time to break the habit.
Getting a speeding ticket isn’t fun for anyone. You’re always better off avoiding the ticket in the first place rather than trying to get out of it. If you do find yourself facing a speeding ticket, look at some of these ways that might be able to help you cover the cost.
About the author: Scott Desind, traffic attorney successfully fights traffic tickets for drivers in the Los Angeles area. He shares his experiences on his traffic ticket blog and at various events.
