When To Dismiss, Fight or Just Pay A Speeding Ticket

There are an estimated 30 Million moving citations issued each year in the US. This translates to $4.1 Billion in fines and at least 2.2 Million conversations starting with the words “I told you you were driving too fast” by unhappy spouses.

The importance of removing traffic tickets from your driving record are simple: Tickets mean points on your record. Points on your record means higher insurance premiums.

If you’re one of those unlucky enough to receive a ticket, it’s important to know when you should fight, dismiss online, or just pay your traffic ticket. Frankly there is no hard and fast rule. There are, however, some basic questions you can ask yourself.

Where You Speed Matters

While defensive driving online and online traffic school courses are an incredibly convenient and cost effective way of removing a ticket from your record they are only available in some states. See the list of states that allow online traffic school and defensive driving. States offering the largest number of state-approved defensive driving courses include Texas, California, New York, Florida and Arizona.

Have you Taken Defensive Driving Online in the Last 12, 18, or 24 Months?

If you’ve received a traffic ticket and taken a defensive driving online course to have it dismissed you may be out of luck. While it varies from state by state, typically, you can only use this convenient and cost effective option every year to two years.

Under this situation you may want to consider hiring a lawyer. After carefully considering their credentials, record of success and rates, choose the lawyer with the best bowtie – they’re the better ones.

What Were You Fined For?

Unless you were caught for reckless endangerment (typically speeding in excess of 20 mph and/or driving too close/erratic), or speeding in a work or school zone, you may be eligible to take an online defensive driving program. Look down at your wrists. If there aren’t handcuffs it’s likely didn’t get a violation that would preclude you from dismissing the ticket through an online traffic school.

Summary Of Defensive Driving Online

• Does my state allow for online traffic ticket dismissal?
• Does my court allow me (usually shown on the ticket)?
• Have I taken a defensive driving or traffic school program recently?
• Why do I keep speeding – seriously this is getting expensive?!