Traffic Ticket Myths

Posted by Casey Coats | Wednesday, 9 September 2013 | Traffic Ticket Law

There are plenty of common misconceptions regarding the circumstances police officers can write tickets, or how to get tickets thrown out. Here we debunk a few common traffic ticket myths.

Somewhat of a myth: Courts will drop traffic tickets if the officer does not show up to the trial.

This depends on local law. Some areas require the officer to show up to court, otherwise the case is thrown out. Some areas do not require this.

Myth: If you are going with the flow of traffic, you cannot get a speeding ticket.

Just because other people are speeding does not give you the right to speed. Keeping up with the flow of traffic is not a valid reason to speed.

Myth: If the officer forgets to have you sign the ticket, the ticket becomes invalid.

Signing the ticket simply verifies that you will show up to court or pay the fine.

Myth: If there are mistakes on your traffic ticket it will be thrown out.

Typos or spelling errors are not enough to have a ticket thrown out. More serious errors, such as the officer writing down the wrong speed may help your defense.

Myth: Out of state tickets do not affect your driving record.

Most states are part of an Interstate Driver’s License Compact (DLC), which forward traffic violations to the recipients home state, and points can still be assessed on your driving record

Myth: Driving the posted speed limit means you can’t get a traffic ticket.

In poor driving conditions, such as bad weather, going the posted speed limit could be dangerous. For example, if you were going 60 in a 60 MPH zone during a snow storm, you could be charged with reckless driving or a similar charge.

Myth: You cannot be ticked for driving 1-5 mph over the posted speed limit.

Police can issue a speeding ticket for even going 1 mph over the posted speed limit. Many times, especially on a highway, officers will not bother with ticketing drivers going 1-5 mph over the limit, but they can and sometimes do.