Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violation citations that police issue. Many drivers believe that fighting a speeding ticket is futile, especially in a radar-enforced zone. The fact is that there are a number of defenses against a speeding ticket and you may be able to have it dismissed.
Here are some common defense options to consider for your speeding ticket.
Contesting radar accuracy
If the ticket you received includes a speed calculation based on radar gun measurement, you have a couple of options to fight this.
- How long ago was the radar gun last calibrated? If it has been more than a year, the gun may be inaccurate.
- How long has it been since the officer completed an evaluation with the radar gun? He or she may have mishandled it.
- How busy was the traffic? Many vehicles on the road mean several targets for the radar so the result may have been another vehicle’s speed.
Radar guns are unpredictable, so take the ticket to court.
Addressing an unclear speed limit
When you receive a speeding ticket in an area with no clearly posted speed limit, you may be able to contest the ticket on those grounds. Take pictures of the area where you received the ticket, including any obstructions that block the signs.
Speeding tickets are not a guaranteed penalty. Consider the situation and take your case to court. If the issuing officer fails to appear, you may win by default without having to present a full defense.
