If you receive a traffic ticket in North Carolina, it may seem more convenient to pay for it. You avoid going to court and can put the entire misunderstanding behind you. But make no mistake; paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt. When you admit you did violate the traffic rules and regulations, it can come with harsh penalties that worsen with each additional violation.
Reasons to fight your traffic ticket
Drivers do not realize that the expenses of a traffic ticket do not end with settling the immediate fine. Accumulating too many points can lead to a license revocation, and the number of points you obtain from a traffic violation depends on the offense the issuing traffic officer accused you of violating. By challenging the citation, you are pleading not guilty and will have to appear in court. Here are reasons why that can be more beneficial to you:
- You can avoid accumulating points on your driving record.
- You can fight to keep your driving record clean.
- The traffic police officer that issued the ticket may not have evidence to prove you committed the violation.
- The officer may not even appear in court and the court may decide to dismiss the charges then and there.
- You can avoid a conviction, which can give rise to many more problems and penalties, especially if you received a traffic citation for driving while intoxicated.
Remember that any moving violation can increase your insurance payments because insurance companies will perceive you as a riskier driver. It can also negatively impact your career opportunities. Driving fast is not necessarily speeding. You have the right to challenge your ticket but use that right wisely.
Fighting your traffic ticket
Attempting to fight the ticket in court does not automatically guarantee a dismissal of charges against you. It would be best to speak to someone who understands the North Carolina traffic laws and how to use them favorably, given your situation. You should know all your available options before paying for the traffic ticket.