Here are some of the steps that you should take if you are pulled over for a speeding ticket.
Speeding is one of the most reckless and unnecessary bad driving habits out there. If you choose to speed, not only are you putting everyone on the road at risk, but you are also increasing your risk for a ticket. If you are ever pulled over, here’s what you should do to handle the situation.
When You Get Pulled Over
- Ask which method the officer used to determine that you were speeding. Document this information.
- Do not talk back and say as little as possible; everything you say can be used against you if you go to court.
- Be polite, the last thing you want to do is exacerbate the situation by acting aggressively or being uncooperative.
- After the incident, write down all the details you remember, including the time of day, location, and any other circumstances that might have affected the situation, such as a missing or obscured speed limit sign.
Once you are issued a ticket, you do have some options. The easiest thing to do is simply pay the ticket; however, this could result in increased insurance rates. You can also choose to fight the ticket in court.
Going to Court
If you decide to take the ticket to court, a prosecutor will have to prove that you were indeed speeding. While you might think the ticket was unjustified, it is notably difficult to fight speeding violations. If the officer decides not to attend the hearing, you might be off the hook. However, don’t bank on that. You may still have to stand before a judge and undergo questioning. Here are some of the steps you should take to prepare.
- Gather evidence: The best way to have the ticket dismissed is by providing physical proof that you weren’t speeding. Things like footage from a dashcam or photographic evidence that a speed limit sign was obscured will both work.
- Research the speed equipment: You should also look up the method that the officer used to determine your speed. You should specifically focus on the weaknesses of this method so you can present them to the judge.
- Arrange witnesses: You can also call in witnesses to testify on your behalf.
- Organize questions: You may also have the chance to question the officer, so plan which questions you will ask. You can use your questions to illustrate faulty memory or lack of training with speed-clocking equipment. Stick to questions with short answers and avoid questions that lead to elaboration.
If all of this sounds like a lot to handle, you can always hire a lawyer to act on your behalf.
These are some of the steps you can take following a speeding ticket. Remember, speeding is never permissible and puts everyone on the road in danger. To keep yourself and other drivers safe, avoid speeding and make sure you have the right auto insurance protections in place. For assistance with your car coverage needs, contact the experts at Pierce Insurance Group today.