Comments on: Is it worth it to fight a speeding ticket in court?

By: Michael R

Michael R — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

Well you could have also gotten a citation for driving in unfavorable conditions. Even if you were going the speed limit if the conditions prove to be dangerous you can also get a citation.

By: Beez

Beez — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

I've done both. It takes a lot of time and effort to fight a traffic ticket and is your word against the officer's word.

By: chimpus_incompetus

chimpus_incompetus — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

If the ticket will raise your insurance rates, it is sometimes worth it just to show up in court. If the officer who issued the ticket doesn't show up, which sometimes happens, a lot of times the judge will dismiss the ticket. If the officer shows up, as they usually do, you are screwed.

It may be worth your time if you are under 25, have a lot of tickets in the past 3 years, or are in danger of losing your license due to point violations.

By: indianajones47150

indianajones47150 — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

check this out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Motorists_Association

By: wishing_4_help

wishing_4_help — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

No because you have to pay more money for a lawyer.

By: Vakari

Vakari — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

If you have the time to go to court, it is worth it. Sometimes the cop won't show, and then you're off. Sometimes you can get your points or fine reduced by arguing your side of the story.

By: adorablesuperspy

adorablesuperspy — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

Absolutely. Take photos of covered signs. cop may not show up, and the fine is nothing….but your insurance is going to explode!

By: pedohunter1488

pedohunter1488 — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

Hardly ever worth fighting. At least in California if you mail in the money they used to let you take off 10 or 15 %.

By: SGT Baggett

SGT Baggett — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

No it is not worth it, but you could call and talk to the court about probation or see how much you could pay not to have it on your record.

By: Hootiesplace

Hootiesplace — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:24:24 +0000

With the conditions you list: (after a snow storm, signs frozen over, back country, no lighting)…you could actually be convicted of a speed offense even if you were going the posted limit. If the officer presents evidence that your speed was not reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, he may win. For example: if the posted speed limit is 55 and the road is covered by ice, driving 55 would not be reasonable even though you are not exceeding the posted limit. It's a common-sense issue.
If you feel strongly about your case, plead it in front of a judge. That's what courts are for. It won't cost any more to plead not guilty than it would to plead guilty. Good luck.