This summer, many Georgians stayed close to home for a vacation. Many small towns along 1-75 and I-95 have annexed land out to these freeways so they can operate speed traps here, snagging many out-of-towners with speeding tickets.
If you received a speeding ticket during your summer getaway, you might not want to pay it right away. If you do, you admit you were in the wrong and not only pay a fine, but the ticket can affect your insurance rates too.
Here are some options you should keep in mind if you want to contest your traffic ticket:
- You may be eligible for a no-contest plea for first-time offenders. Pursuing this option could reduce your fine and you could avoid having the ticket reported to your insurance company.
- You could work with an attorney to review your case to see if any clerical errors or evidence problems could result in having the court dismiss your speeding ticket.
- You decide to appear in court and the police officer who cited you doesn’t appear. Then you could get your ticket dismissed. Or even if the officer does testify, you still could get your fine reduced enough that your ticket won’t be reported to your insurance company.
- You could negotiate taking a driver safety course rather than paying the speeding ticket and having your insurance company notified about the ticket.
Sometimes, fighting a traffic ticket is necessary, especially if your driver’s license is in jeopardy. Deciding to contest the ticket likely will help you reduce your fine and other repercussions. Pursing one of the options detailed above can help you keep your license, your job and the freedom to travel where you want to.