Car & Driver

Four Steps to Fighting a Traffic Ticket

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If you’ve ever received a ticket for speeding or a traffic violation…

You accept the ticket, pay the fine and move on.

But if you feel the ticket you received wasn’t justified – or you could lose your license, you may want to consider fighting it. Here are four steps to get started.

Step 1: Know when to show up. A court date and location are typically listed on the ticket, which usually includes information about how to fight, or contest, the citation.

Step 2: Request documents and information. Either you or your attorney can request to review any items officers collected during the traffic stop or used in the investigation (like a radar gun).

Step 3: Know the laws. Each state has its own traffic laws — you should be able to find yours on your state legislature's site or the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.

Step 4: Decide on a defense. If you’re going to defend yourself, research the defenses available to you by the law. Otherwise, seek the counsel of an attorney who’s knowledgeable of the traffic laws where the incident occurred.

Doing your homework and choosing a viable defense when fighting a traffic ticket may help you avoid legal troubles – and costly fines – down the road.

Visit ARAGlegal.com to learn how legal insurance can help you with life’s legal issues.