Reading Time: 3 minutes Got a Traffic Ticket? 4 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid
Getting a traffic ticket can be annoying and time-consuming. If you get several traffic tickets within a specified time, your driving license may get revoked or suspended. And not to mention every ticket adds points to your clean driving record.
This calls for an obvious question: How to deal with a traffic ticket or avoid it altogether?
While there can be instances where you may be pulled over and get a ticket, you can avoid some obvious mistakes when you have received a traffic ticket. Avoiding the four mistakes mentioned below will save your time and money. Take a look.
Mistake #1: Talking too much
When you are pulled over and handed a traffic ticket, the last thing you want to do is give the police officer more information than they already have. For example, if the police officer asks you how fast you were going, just say you don’t know.
Assume that anything you say can and will be used against you.
The officer already has this information from the radar gun.
Mistake #2: Being Aggressive
It is best to answer politely to the officer. You don’t have to agree with everything the officer says, but arguing with the officer will only make the situation worse. If you disagree with the ticket, you can politely explain your side of the story to the officer.
However, do not argue or become defensive. This will further urge the officer to give you a ticket.
Another way to look at it is the police officer is a person. You may not like what they are accusing you of, but no one likes to be treated mean. Being aggressive won’t change the situation for the better, but being polite might.
mistake #3: Paying the Traffic Ticket Right Away
Many people think that paying the fine is the only option. However, instantly paying for the ticket is an admission of guilt. You should consider fighting the traffic ticket rather than paying it.
That’s because paying the traffic ticket can increase your insurance rates and points on your driving record.
If you do not pay the traffic ticket, you may have to go to court. However, this is often worth it in the long run. You can always hire an attorney or use The Winit app to dispute the ticket.
mistake #4: Ignoring the Traffic Ticket
If you ignore a traffic ticket, your license may get suspended or revoked. It is best to deal with the traffic ticket as soon as possible. This means either paying the fine or fighting the ticket in court. Do not ignore the problem and hope that it will go away on its own.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Drive With an Expired License
If you drive with an expired license, the penalties are more severe than driving with a suspended or revoked license. This is because driving with an expired license is considered a misdemeanor offense in most states.
This means that you may have to spend some time behind the bars and pay a fine if you are caught driving with an expired license.
To avoid this mistake, make sure that your license is up-to-date and renewed on time. You can also check with your state’s DMV to see if you need to renew your license more often than every few years.
Usually, renewing your driving license isn’t a complicated process. Do not take this step lightly and never drive without a valid license.
Final Word
What you do after you receive a traffic ticket matters. Although the best way to avoid the hassle of traffic tickets is not getting one in the first place. Make sure you follow driving regulations and drive within the speed limits.
However, if you do end up getting a ticket, keep the above tips in mind, and you’ll hopefully get out of the situation.
ChaChingQueen is a lifestyle blog helping you live a happy and healthy life on a budget.