Traffic Tickets in the United States: What Fact? What Fiction?
What is it about a traffic ticket that makes every motorist cringe and dread about?
The consequences can be painful and may vary state to state. But the most common punishment is that it can greatly affect your wallet and driving privileges. However, when it comes to traffic violations, there are some long noted facts that are actually myths. There are some unanswered questions on every motorist's mind like, "What if the Police Officer does not show up at court?", or "How valid is the faulty radar defense?", or "Do I have to pay the fine if there no signature on the ticket?" and so on.
Take a look at some of the common traffic ticket facts and myths that will help you save on your money and time.
1. Courts drop the ticket charges if the Officer does not turn up for the hearing - Fact or Myth?
The answer to the above question is - depends. Some states will drop charges if the officer does not turn up at court for the hearing proceedings. The judge will toss the case.
However, in some states, the court does not require the concerned officer to turn up for the hearing. The judge will still try the case, regardless of whether the officer shows up or not.
2. Passing a vehicle is a valid reason to go over the speed limit - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. You can pass a slow-poke on the road, but you need to stay within the speed limit. You will receive a ticket for over speeding even if you want to overtake a slow vehicle.
3. Radar inaccuracy will let you plead "not guilty" for a speeding ticket - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. You need to have evidence in order to support your claim that the radar was in fact inaccurate. The judge will not dismiss the case just because you have made a statement. The only evidence that you can present to the court is proof that the officer has not re-calibrated his equipment recently. You can ask your attorney to demand the calibration records of the officer.
‚¬ You're off the hook because the Officer forgot to let you sign the ticket - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. A traffic violation is valid even if it doesn't have your signature. The signature is just a way of showing the court that you will make an appearance for the hearing on the specified date.
‚¬ Out-of-state tickets will not impact your driving record - Fact or Myth?
This is a fact as well as a myth! Some states are part of the Interstate Driver's License Compact. They will forward traffic violations to the concerned state where you live in.
However a few states are not part of the Interstate Driver's License Compact. So you will not receive any violations from them.
‚¬ Tickets with mistakes are valid - Fact or Myth?
It is a fact. Even if there is a clerical error on the officer's part, you can't contest a ticket.Judges won't consider typos as a defence.
The consequences can be painful and may vary state to state. But the most common punishment is that it can greatly affect your wallet and driving privileges. However, when it comes to traffic violations, there are some long noted facts that are actually myths. There are some unanswered questions on every motorist's mind like, "What if the Police Officer does not show up at court?", or "How valid is the faulty radar defense?", or "Do I have to pay the fine if there no signature on the ticket?" and so on.
Take a look at some of the common traffic ticket facts and myths that will help you save on your money and time.
1. Courts drop the ticket charges if the Officer does not turn up for the hearing - Fact or Myth?
The answer to the above question is - depends. Some states will drop charges if the officer does not turn up at court for the hearing proceedings. The judge will toss the case.
However, in some states, the court does not require the concerned officer to turn up for the hearing. The judge will still try the case, regardless of whether the officer shows up or not.
2. Passing a vehicle is a valid reason to go over the speed limit - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. You can pass a slow-poke on the road, but you need to stay within the speed limit. You will receive a ticket for over speeding even if you want to overtake a slow vehicle.
3. Radar inaccuracy will let you plead "not guilty" for a speeding ticket - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. You need to have evidence in order to support your claim that the radar was in fact inaccurate. The judge will not dismiss the case just because you have made a statement. The only evidence that you can present to the court is proof that the officer has not re-calibrated his equipment recently. You can ask your attorney to demand the calibration records of the officer.
‚¬ You're off the hook because the Officer forgot to let you sign the ticket - Fact or Myth?
It is a myth. A traffic violation is valid even if it doesn't have your signature. The signature is just a way of showing the court that you will make an appearance for the hearing on the specified date.
‚¬ Out-of-state tickets will not impact your driving record - Fact or Myth?
This is a fact as well as a myth! Some states are part of the Interstate Driver's License Compact. They will forward traffic violations to the concerned state where you live in.
However a few states are not part of the Interstate Driver's License Compact. So you will not receive any violations from them.
‚¬ Tickets with mistakes are valid - Fact or Myth?
It is a fact. Even if there is a clerical error on the officer's part, you can't contest a ticket.Judges won't consider typos as a defence.
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