The ubiquity of speeding tickets is often underestimated. Approximately 41 million people in the United States receive a speeding citation each year, highlighting the prevalence of this traffic violation.
Drivers exceed speed limits for a variety of reasons, ranging from time constraints and impatience to inattention and, in some cases, deliberate recklessness. Regardless of the motivation, exceeding the posted speed limit carries the risk of receiving a citation and facing subsequent consequences.
Staying Calm and Assessing the Situation
Receiving a speeding ticket can be a jarring experience. However, maintaining composure is crucial. Once calm, drivers should carefully review the information on the ticket, including vehicle details, the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, and any notes made by the issuing officer. While rare, errors on the ticket could potentially lead to its dismissal.
Shortly after the initial stop, a summons and details regarding the associated fine will typically be mailed to the driver, though in some jurisdictions, the ticket itself serves as the summons. A key detail to note is the deadline for payment, which commonly falls around 30 days from the date of issuance. Paying the fine, often done by mail, generally doesn’t require a court appearance. Failure to address the ticket by the deadline can result in a bench warrant and potential arrest.
The Ripple Effects: Points, Insurance, and Traffic School
The consequences of a speeding ticket extend beyond the immediate financial penalty. Pleading guilty, or ‘no contest,’ typically results in points being added to a driver’s license. These points can lead to increased insurance premiums, and accumulating too many within a specified timeframe can result in license suspension. However, the system in Texas has changed. As of September 1, 2019, Texas repealed the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated point system and surcharges. So the state no longer uses a point-based system to track traffic violations.
Despite the change in Texas, mitigating the impact of a ticket remains a priority for many drivers. One option is to attend a state-approved defensive driving or traffic safety course. Successful completion of such a course can prevent points from being added to a driver’s record, potentially avoiding increases in insurance rates. However, eligibility for traffic school is not universal. In Texas, drivers holding a Commercial Driver’s License, those who have dismissed a ticket within the past 12 months, or those who refuse to plead “no contest” are generally ineligible. Tickets issued for exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 miles per hour typically disqualify a driver from taking the course.
Contesting the Citation: Exploring Legal Options
Drivers are not without recourse. Contesting the ticket is a viable option. Valid defenses might include emergency situations necessitating speed, adverse weather conditions, or challenges to the accuracy of the speed measurement. For example, a potential defense could center on a malfunctioning radar device.
There is a possibility that the officer who issued the citation may not appear in court, which could lead to the dismissal of the ticket. However, this outcome is not guaranteed, as the judge may choose to continue the proceedings without the officer’s testimony.
Appearing in court also presents an opportunity to negotiate a reduction in the fine amount. While the amount listed on the ticket represents the maximum penalty, a judge may be willing to lower it, particularly with the assistance of a traffic lawyer.
Post-Adjudication Review and Record Keeping
Following the resolution of the ticket, whether through payment, traffic school, or a court appearance, it is advisable to review one’s driving record. This allows drivers to verify that points were not incorrectly applied, particularly if they attended traffic school or had the ticket dismissed. Understanding the information contained on a driver’s license is a valuable practice for all motorists.
In Texas, drivers can order a Certified Texas Driving Record to confirm the status of their license. These records are often required by courts in addition to a Certificate of Completion from a defensive driving course.
The process of dealing with a speeding ticket can be complex, with options varying depending on individual circumstances and local regulations. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can help drivers navigate the situation effectively and minimize the potential consequences.
