There’s not many things that are more inconvenient than a speeding ticket. But the more time you spend on the road in North Carolina, the more likely you are to get stopped and ticketed. From there, you have a few things you can do, including just paying the ticket itself. Eric Skager Law can explain what happens from there. Set up a free consultation if you’d like to learn more.
What Happens If I Just Pay My Speeding Ticket?
The absolute easiest way to take care of a speeding ticket is to pay it. And if that’s what you want to do and just move on, that’s totally understandable. But when you pay your speeding ticket, something important happens: you actually plead guilty to the charge. That leads to:
- Points on your license.
- Increased insurance costs because your premiums go up.
- The conviction going on your record.
- Other problems in the future if you get more speeding tickets.
So as you can see, while paying may save you one trip to court, it can cost you far more over the next several years. Which brings you to the next logical question: should you pay your speeding ticket?
Should I Pay My Speeding Ticket?
Now that you know what happens if you just pay your speeding ticket, it might not seem like it’s the best option for you. But again, it all comes down to the circumstances. If you feel like it was just a one time mistake, you can probably get by with just paying the fine and moving on. But the reality is that you have other options if you feel like something is off:
- Request a reduction. A good first step is asking for a reduction of the speeding ticket. This is where you formally question what’s listed on the ticket, whether that’s lowering the speed, changing the violation to something less serious, or agreeing to a process that does less damage to your driving record.
- Go to traffic court. Going to traffic court may sound like the more inconvenient option, but it gives you something paying the ticket doesn’t: a chance to tell your side of the story. A judge reviews the ticket and we can help by defending you—asking questions about the stop, looking at how the speed was clocked, pointing out issues with the actual ticket, or presenting facts that help your case.
Obviously, you’re trying to help yourself by taking either of these steps. But ultimately, it’s up to you. You can decide to pay the ticket and move on with your life, or challenge it. One way or the other, my team can help you from the very beginning with guidance and support.
Guidance After a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina
Getting a speeding ticket has happened to almost every driver in North Carolina. But it doesn’t have to follow you around. If you want to get a better understanding of how the process works and what your options are, my team at Eric Skager Law can:
- Guide you step-by-step so you understand what’s happening and what decisions matter.
- Review the ticket to take a closer inspection of the officer’s allegations, radar information, and other potential weaknesses.
- Look at the speed, roadway, and other circumstances to find the smartest approach to your situation.
- Work to reduce the long-term impact on your driving record and insurance, whether that means paying the ticket or challenging it.
For most people, the biggest relief is not having to walk into traffic court blind. If you’ve gotten a speeding ticket in North Carolina and want to know more about what you should do, contact our firm today to set up a free consultation.