You just got a traffic ticket – now what?

One minute you’re on your way to work, cruising along at your “normal” speed.  The next thing you know, you’re on the side of the road and there is a police car behind you.
Now what?

Stay calm and be polite.  There is not need to get nasty with the officer.  You’re busted and any sort of poor behavior might only make it worse.

When asked if you know why you’re being pulled over, just respond with a simple, “No, I do not”.  No need to admit guilt.

If you’ve received a speeding ticket, it might be a good idea to ask a couple questions, if you plan on contesting the ticket.  Find out where they were positioned and if they clocked you with any type of radar device.  Get as many specifics as possible without being too indignant.

When handed the ticket, check it for accuracy.  One anything wrong might hurt your case… make sure the offense you’re being cited for is actually what the officer said he was pulling you over for.  On the other hand, if there are some inaccurate things on the ticket, it can help you get your ticket dismissed.

Decide whether or not you want to fight the ticket.  Keep in mind your costs, not just money, but time.  Often the most productive use of your time is to pay the court cost and ask the judge to take a defensive driving traffic school course.  This is more commonly being handled by mailing in a form to the court house instead of having to travel there only to sit and wait for the same request.   In return for attending a State approved defensive driving course your charges will be dismissed and you might also get some sort of point reduction on your record.