How To Beat A Traffic Ticket: Winning Strategies You Should Know

Traffic tickets are arguably one of the most frustrating things that drivers face while on the road. Those who have ever been caught breaking traffic laws know that paying fines can be a real pain in the neck. However, it seems that there are ways to beat traffic tickets and avoid paying fines, which many people do not know about. Here are some winning strategies that you should know.

Camera-Issued Tickets Can Be Easiest To Beat

Contrary to popular belief, camera-issued tickets can be the easiest to beat. As stated by Alex Carroll, the author of “Beat the Cops: the Guide to Fighting Your Traffic Ticket and Winning,” defendants have constitutional rights to question their accusers. Most courthouses will not bother to bring the video or picture to court, and even if they do, there is no human subject to question other than the officer who viewed it. The officer will offer hearsay evidence which can be challenged, leading to the dismissal of your case. However, the main reason many people fail to take advantage of this opportunity is that they lack the courage to object to the officer’s statement.

Challenge the Accuracy of the Radar or Laser Gun

Another strategy you can use to win your case is to challenge the accuracy of the radar or laser gun that the officer used to measure your speed. Every radar or laser gun must be tested correctly and regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy, and if the officer fails to present a recent certificate of calibration in court, the ticket may be dismissed. You can also ask to see the officer’s training certificate and check if they had enough training or had attended a refresher course. These assertions can weaken the case against you, making it more likely that the court will dismiss the case.

Dispute the Officer’s Observation

Fighting the officer’s observation is another way to challenge the ticket. If the officer states that you made an illegal turn or ran a red light, you can contest his or her argument. If you have any evidence that the light was yellow and not red, you can show the court. Similarly, if the officer is relying on their memory or did not have a clear view, take advantage of the situation and express your thought. If you can persuade the court, your ticket may be dismissed.

Present Mitigating Circumstances

Mitigating circumstances can also be a winning strategy. If you were speeding to get away from a dangerous driver if you were en route to an emergency, or if the speed limit was not clearly marked, you could argue that you had a valid reason for committing the traffic offence. Such circumstances can lead to a reduction or even dismissal of your ticket.

Create Doubt Around Your Identification

Another way to beat a traffic ticket is to create doubt around your identification. If the ticket does not match your driver’s license, such as showing the wrong name, address, license number, or vehicle information, there might be reasonable doubt as to whether you were the one driving the car. This is a useful trick that can help you get away with a fine.

Conclusion

Paying a traffic fine is no fun, and fighting against it can be even more stressful. However, studying and employing the strategies discussed in this article – objecting to hearsay and evidence, questioning the accuracy of the radar or laser gun used, disputing the officer’s observation, citing mitigating circumstances, and creating doubt around your identity – can save you time and money. Always remember that you have rights and the right to defend yourself against a traffic ticket. With the right mindset and a few useful strategies, you can win the fight against traffic tickets.