Consequences of a Speeding Ticket Conviction
by
Leif Harrison Kleven on Jan. 17, 2014
Motor Vehicle Traffic Criminal
Summary: A traffic citation, something as simple as speeding, can have a long term impact on your driving record, which can lead increased insurance fees or the loss of driving privileges.
Each year over 41,000,000 tickets are issued and 20% of
drivers will get a speeding ticket every year.1
Yet only 5% of those tickets are ever contested in court. (U.S. Highway
Patrol; May 24, 2013.)
There are defenses to traffic citations.
A traffic citation, something as simple as speeding, can have a long term impact on your driving record, which can lead increased insurance fees or the loss of driving privileges. In California, just four points on your driving record in a year causes the driver to be presumed to be a “negligent operator” of a vehicle. The DMV can then suspend or revoke driving privileges. (California Vehicle Code section 12810.5a.)
- Spending hours in traffic court
- Paying fines in excess of $500.00
- Paying increased insurance premiums
- Attending traffic school
Of course the best way to avoid a speeding ticket is not to speed. But if you are stopped by law enforcement, there are things you can do (see “You Have Rights During a Traffic Stop”). There are also a few things you should not do. Do not argue with the officer. Do not make excuses.
After the traffic stop, make notes about the stop. For example, write down where you were when you were stopped, how fast do you think you were driving, what did the officer say to you, and what did you say to the officer.
Finally, consider consulting with a local attorney to represent you.
DISCLAIMER: This material is for information purposes only
and is not legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with
respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this
information does not create an attorney-client relationship.