Getting a speeding ticket in New York is often frustrating and expensive. It’s even more upsetting when you feel you don’t deserve the ticket. You might even consider fighting the ticket in court. But when is fighting a ticket in court a good idea? You’ll have to take several things into account before making a decision.
How much is the ticket?
Is the ticket for a minor traffic violation that carries a small fine? If so, it’s possibly not worth your time or money to fight the ticket. But if paying the ticket will cause a significant financial burden, contesting the ticket in court is possibly worth considering.
How does the ticket affect your driving record?
Some traffic violations can cause serious damage to your driving record. A speeding ticket might not sound like a huge deal, but having points added to your driving record is no fun. And in New York, 11 points within 18 months can get your driver’s license suspended.
You might have concerns that the ticket will ruin your perfect driving record. Or you might worry that the ticket will affect your ability to drive or hurt your insurance rates. Contesting the ticket might serve you well if you have any of these worries.
Do you have a strong case?
Can you prove you were wrongly accused of speeding? If so, you possibly have a strong case against the ticket. But if you were obviously speeding, a judge is unlikely to excuse the ticket. Even if there was a medical emergency, speeding is still illegal.
Fighting a speeding ticket
The decision to fight a speeding ticket depends on how the ticket affects your life and driving record. Before moving forward with your fight, it’s wise to consider whether or not you have a solid case.