How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Pennsylvania

Traffic/Speeding Ticket in Pennsylvania? We Can Help

You may think the only way to handle a traffic offense is to simply pay the fine and put the whole incident out of your mind. However, if you plead guilty to a traffic violation, like speeding, you haven’t really put the violation behind you — you have opened yourself up to additional problems including points and higher insurance rates. But you do have another option: you can fight your ticket.

The Real Cost of a Pittsburgh Traffic Ticket

When you receive your traffic citation, you might see the fine. But a traffic ticket can be far more costly than just the fine. There are court fees (effectively processing fees) that you have to pay regardless of whether or not you decide to pay the ticket, potentially higher insurance premiums, and the issue of points on your driving record.

Should You Just Pay the Traffic Ticket?

If you are found guilty of a traffic offense – and paying your ticket is an admittance of guilt – one of the biggest financial impacts will be the steep rise in your insurance rates. For example, according to insurance.com, speeding will cause your insurance to increase 15 percent on average.

You’ll also face a considerable amount of stress if the points you accumulate lead to a driver’s license suspension, preventing you from getting to work, school, or daily errands and activities.

Why You Should Fight a Traffic Ticket in Pennsylvania

You should fight your ticket to prevent your car insurance rates from spiraling, to keep your record clean, and to avoid the financial burden of fines.

Hiring a defense attorney to help you fight your ticket will pay off for years to come in insurance savings. An experienced Pittsburgh traffic defense law firm may be able to get your points reduced or help you avoid getting any points at all.

Steps to Take if You Get a Speeding Ticket in Pennsylvania

First, look over your citation. Check the violation and fines, and make certain that your name, address, vehicle information and license number are all correct. You have 10 days to respond to the citation. If you ignore it, you may have to pay additional fines and your driver’s license can be suspended.

Second, it’s a good idea to consider hiring an attorney who can help you fight your ticket and help you avoid the long-term impact of higher insurance rates and points on your record. If your record is clean, it’s best to keep it that way; if you already have points on your license, accruing more can only hurt you.