Traffic Violations and Your Record: When to Fight a Citation
Traffic tickets may seem like minor inconveniences, but their impact on your driving record, insurance rates, and even employment can be significant. Many drivers automatically pay citations without considering whether they’re worth contesting. However, not every ticket is justified, and not every violation is black and white.
At Jay Lauer Attorney at Law in South Bend, Indiana, I understand the importance of protecting your record. If you’re facing points on your license, a suspended license, or increased insurance premiums, it may be worth taking a closer look at your options. I strive to walk you through how traffic violations affect your record and what steps you should take with the help of a traffic violations attorney.
How Traffic Violations Affect Your Record
Every ticket has the potential to leave a lasting impact on your driving record. Depending on the severity of the violation and your past driving behavior, even a single citation can trigger a chain of events that causes long-term damage.
For instance, accumulating too many points on your license can result in a suspension. While the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles doesn’t assign points to all infractions, common violations like speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light often come with added penalties. Some common consequences of traffic citations include:
Points on your driving record: These points may remain on your record for two years or more, depending on the offense.
Increased insurance rates: Insurers frequently raise premiums after a violation is reported, especially if you’re seen as a higher risk.
License suspension or revocation: Too many points or certain major violations can lead to a temporary or permanent loss of driving privileges.
Employment complications: If your job requires a clean driving record, one ticket can put your employment at risk, especially in transportation or delivery services.
Each of these consequences can disrupt your daily life. That’s why it’s worth considering whether your citation was issued fairly. If it wasn't issued fairly, it's important to know what you can do about it.
Reasons to Consider Fighting a Traffic Ticket
In many cases, it might seem easier to pay the fine and move on. However, there are situations where fighting a citation is worth the effort. Before you accept a ticket, ask yourself if any of the following circumstances apply.
You believe the officer made a mistake: Misreading signs, radar errors, or wrongly identifying your vehicle are all possible.
You weren’t the driver at the time: If someone else was using your vehicle, you shouldn’t be penalized for their actions.
There were circumstances beyond your control: For example, swerving to avoid an accident or obeying the direction of an officer on the scene.
The ticket would put you over the point limit: Even one more violation could trigger a suspension.
You have evidence to refute the charge: Dashcam footage, witness statements, or photographs can help challenge the claim.
If any of these apply to your situation, speaking with a traffic violations attorney could help you fight the citation with confidence.
How to Contest a Citation in Indiana
Indiana allows drivers to challenge traffic citations in court. However, the process isn’t always simple, and each county may have different procedures and deadlines. When fighting a ticket, you should take the following steps:
Respond quickly: You usually have 30 days to respond to a ticket. Failing to act can result in additional penalties.
Request a court date: Indicate that you want to plead not guilty and schedule a hearing in court.
Gather evidence: This might include photos, video footage, diagrams, or documents that support your case.
Consult with a traffic violations attorney: Having legal support can make it easier to present your case and challenge the citation effectively.
Attend your hearing: Be prepared to present your side clearly and respectfully. The judge will decide whether to uphold or dismiss the ticket.
Contesting a ticket is more than just showing up in court; it’s about building a strong case and understanding what’s at stake.
Types of Violations Worth Challenging
Not all tickets carry the same weight. Some violations, particularly those that suggest recklessness or endangerment, can have significant implications.
For example, speeding more than 25 miles per hour above the limit, reckless or aggressive driving, driving without insurance or registration, running a red light or stop sign, improper passing, failure to yield, and driving under the influence (DUI) are all citations that may justify legal action.
These offenses often come with steeper fines, more points on your license, and a higher likelihood of license suspension or revocation. In some cases, you could also face mandatory driving courses or even jail time. Working with a traffic violations attorney gives you a stronger chance of reducing or eliminating those penalties.
Defenses That Might Apply to Your Case
Fighting a traffic ticket means presenting a legitimate reason why the citation should be dismissed. The defense that applies will depend on the nature of the violation and the evidence available. Some possible defenses to consider include:
Mistaken identity: Another driver committed the violation, not you.
Faulty equipment: Radar guns or traffic cameras can malfunction or provide inaccurate readings.
Lack of proper signage: Missing or obscured signs could mean you weren’t adequately warned of the rule.
Emergency situation: Your action was necessary to prevent harm.
Officer discretion: The officer’s judgment call was subjective and potentially flawed.
You don’t have to make these arguments alone. A traffic violations attorney can help determine which defense fits your situation and guide you through the process.
Protecting Your Record Instead of Paying
There’s no denying that paying a ticket is often faster than fighting it. However, the convenience of paying a fine now could ultimately cost you more in the form of increased insurance costs or a license suspension. If you’ve received multiple citations in a short period, your risk grows even higher.
This is where legal help becomes valuable. An experienced traffic violations attorney can help assess the situation, explain your options, and represent you in court. Even if you don’t have a perfect driving record, you may still have legal grounds to challenge a ticket. Fighting one violation now might prevent a more serious penalty down the road.
Knowing When It’s Better to Pay
In some cases, fighting a citation may not be the most strategic move. If the violation is minor, you have no points on your record, and the fine is low, paying the ticket might be the simplest solution. Additionally, if you’re eligible for traffic school, completing the course may keep the violation off your record entirely.
Still, even when the stakes seem low, it’s wise to consult with a traffic violations attorney before making a decision. You might uncover an option you hadn’t considered, or avoid a decision that ends up costing you more than expected.
Contact Jay Lauer Attorney at Law Today
Hiring an attorney to fight a ticket may seem unnecessary, especially if the fine is small. However, when you consider the long-term consequences of having points on your record, the value becomes clearer. A traffic violations attorney can help reduce or even dismiss the charges, keep points off your driving record, and potentially prevent your insurance premiums from increasing.
Having a professional by your side means you can benefit from a stronger legal argument and a better chance at a favorable outcome. With qualified professional legal support, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what your options are.
If you are seeking guidance from an experienced traffic violations attorney, contact me today at Jay Lauer Attorney at Law. Located in South Bend, Indiana, I serve clients in Granger, Mishawaka, and throughout Northern Indiana. Reach out today to schedule an initial consultation.