Some people pay traffic tickets as soon as they get them and don’t think anything of it. But, that might not be the best thing to do. There are times when you should fight the ticket because the results of simply paying it are too extreme.
Before you pay for a traffic ticket, think carefully about what consequences you may have to deal with. It may be best to consult with someone who’s familiar with these matters to assist you with determining how to proceed.
Points on your driver’s license
One of the immediate consequences is that a traffic ticket can lead to points on your driver’s license. If you get too many points on your license, it will be suspended. It can take as few as 12 points in a three-year span to get a license suspension.
The amount of time your license is suspended depends on whether you’ve had prior suspensions. A first suspension can result in 60 days, a second suspension is six months and a third or more is a year.
Auto insurance increases
A traffic ticket can also lead to increases in your auto insurance premiums, especially if the ticket is for speeding, reckless driving or other dangerous situations. The insurance company could interpret these tickets as unsafe driving behaviors.
Employment challenges
If your job depends on a clean driving record, a traffic ticket could impair your ability to work. This could impede your ability earn a living right now and there’s a chance that it hinder your future employability.
Exploring your options for any traffic ticket is a good idea. Once you understand the options, you can make a decision about how to proceed with handling the situation.