Seeing those flashing blues in your rearview mirror can cause the type of dread that you feel in the pit of your stomach. When the officer comes bearing speeding tickets, it can be a downright day ruiner.
You add an even thicker layer of complexity if you received a ticket while traveling out of state.
Getting a speeding ticket out of state can be tricky, but you’ll handle it well when you use the right tips and get organized.
Here’s how you can handle getting a speeding ticket in another state.
Study the Facts of the Case
Traffic tickets always come down to details and a narrative of events. Learn as much as you can about the exact speeding violation. Read the citation and see which state code was listed.
The arresting officer will advise you that signing the citation isn’t an admission of guilt.
Consider the type of traffic violation and what stakes and penalties are at hand. Find out how much the ticket would cost to pay upfront, and how many demerit points it’ll put on your driving record.
Consult With a Lawyer
Many people hire a lawyer when they know they’re going to contest a speeding ticket. Lawyers are particularly helpful for out-of-state traffic tickets since it might be difficult to travel out of state to court to represent yourself.
They can represent you in court so that you have the best legal help without any extra effort on your behalf. Lawyers will give you advice on the best way to move forward and may even get it dismissed.
Decide Whether to Contest
We all know getting a speeding ticket isn’t fun, but you have to decide how exactly you’re going to proceed. It might make sense to just pay the ticket if it’s a minor violation. Contesting the ticket is helpful if you want to keep these penalties off of your driving record.
If you contest, factor in the costs related to representation. When your legal defense outweighs the cost of paying your ticket in advance, it might make sense to pay it upfront instead.
Seek the Best Resolution
Look into getting a reasonable resolution to your case. You may be able to communicate with the other side to settle the ticket at a lesser cost. They may require you to plead guilty or no contest.
In some situations, you can cancel out the ticket by participating in driver’s improvement classes. Court systems in other states are likely to want to work with you out of court so that you can come to the most reasonable resolution.
When getting a speeding ticket, it’s easier to move forward when both sides are ready to cooperate.
Dealing With a Speeding Ticket in Another State
If you’ve gotten a speeding ticket in another state, the point in this article can help you. Having the right tips to address one of these situations will protect your wallet and driving record. Use this advice to address your ticket head-on.
For more information on handling speeding tickets or other aspects of car ownership, business and life, check out our other posts.
