How to get out of a speeding ticket

Let me begin by apologizing. If you’re hoping to find a succinct list outlining the ways to automatically receive a pardon from that traffic ticket, well, then we’ve misled you.

The fact is, the headache that is a speeding ticket can’t be alleviated with the aid of a quick five-step guide. Often times, a speeding ticket accounts for more than a one-time fine. When your insurance company discovers your knack for speed, they’ll tack on a significant insurance surcharge. That means you could easily end up dropping hundreds more in the long run.   

However, although there’s truly no step-by-step way to sweet talk yourself out of a speeding ticket, there is a solution if you can remember one simple concept: you’re dealing with officers. Beneath their blue button-downs, they’re real human beings. Like everyone, they’ve rushed to a meeting. They’ve punched it to save the ice cream in the trunk. And like (most) humans, officers can listen to reason.

We’ve assembled a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the boggy world of avoiding traffic tickets. Remember this, always bolster your fight against traffic tickets with reason. Our guide is only speculation but like early-bird breakfast deals or the 2001 Seattle Mariners, we know that greatness is out there for anyone who’s willing to go the distance. Here’s our speculative how-to guide for avoiding traffic tickets.

Some advice: always have your drivers license and insurance information in your vehicle at all times. Oh yeah, and never bribe a law-enforcement officer.  

The bottom line is this: the officer is a real person. You’re trying to be persuasive. Making a case means showing how this circumstance is different from every other person who sped that day. Most times, making a case on the spot isn’t possible. Then, your best chance is in court. 

Now’s the time to ask for mercy. It’s important to make it seem sincere and show that it’s a big deal to you. Remember to be polite, never argue, always seem genuine. You’ve allowing the officer to be in a position of power. In some cases, they’ll respond by letting you go. Most cases, though, are better fought in court. 

1. Fight the ticket by mail

If you received the ticket in another town, you can opt to fight your ticket by mail. This is called “trial by deceleration”. This requires an officer to issue a written rebuttal. Many times, the officer will simply not write a rebuttal, which automatically drops your case.  

2. Try to strike a deal with the officer before court

Remember: the officer can dismiss your ticket at any time. Call the officer, ask for a meeting. Before the meeting, do a little prep. Rehearse your reason for speeding. Outline the reasons the officer should consider dropping your ticket. Double check the details on the physical ticket. Make sure all the information is accurate. If you spot an error on the speeding ticket, bring it up in this meeting. 

There are several ways to contact the officer. Their mailing address, email, and phone number are available on your city’s police bureau’s webpage. Most will be willing to meet with you. At the meeting, make sure you state your case. Then ask again for a pardon. 

3. Contact judge and law clerk

The traffic ticket is important to you. Contacting the judge and prosecutor will show this. Here, you’ll try to restate your case. Side note: it’s best to enter these conversations with a healthy amount of humility.

4. Write thank you notes, restate your case

After the meeting, it’s wise to send a thank you note. It can be a simple gesture. Just say that you appreciate the time each official gave to your case. This is also a great chance to restate the reasons you’re innocent. Make sure the note is polite and professional. It can be a good idea to add a bit of personality to the thank you note. Don’t make this an argument.

Beware: occasionally, contacting officials will reflect poorly on your case. It’s good to gauge your presence with officials. Never overstate your case. If you sense that you’re troubling any official, back off. Send them a note and apologize for any intrusions. 

5. Delay

Try to delay your court date. The longer you wait, the better your chance of having the case dropped. It’s unusual, but not unheard of, for an officer to be absent on court day. An officer no-show will dismiss your case. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more likely the officer will remember less about your specific case.  

Sometimes, you can strike a deal with the officer. Usually this results in a plea bargain, which means you agree to pay the fine, as long as the ticket remains off your record. 

In Court:

1. Stand out

Take advantage of every opportunity to show that you’re serious about fighting the ticket. Learn the name of the court clerk and always be punctual. Take note: standing out doesn’t necessarily mean wearing formal clothes. Most times, dress code in traffic court is pretty casual. However, it never hurts to look sharp. Just showing up will greatly increase your chances. Traffic courts deal with dozens, if not hundreds, of cases every day. 

2. Be aware of alternative punishments

In every case, you can ask for alternative punishment that keeps your ticket off the record. Driving school is a popular alternative punishment. Take note: leniency varies by court and case. 

3. Always plead “not guilty”

You’ve made it this far. Plead “not guilty”. State your case. The court will issue a trial date. Bring a witness if you’d like. Make sure to show up on time!