Contest traffic citation -- worth it?

[desura]

I got a traffic citation recently for looking at my cell phone while driving. I was basically looking at the navigation, really. Couldn't I argue that this isn't any different from looking at a paper map and thus I don't deserve this citation?

 

[madoka]

What state are you in?

The citation should have what code you violated. Have you looked up the code in question?

 

[BoomerD]

It's probably also illegal to look at a paper map while you're driving...

SOME states make a distinction between talking/texting while driving...and using your cell phone for navigation use. Check your state/local laws before you try to challenge the ticket. (and be prepared to PROVE you weren't using the phone for talking/texting.)

 

[madoka]

You can fight it, like this guy did:

http://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-0130-abcarian-cell-tickets-20150130-column.html

 

[TheGardener]

Depends on how much your time is worth. Be prepared. You should check your local law, as these vary state to state. If your carrier has documentation that will support your argument, bring it. If you are a veteran, it may help to make it known,, as part of your statement to the judge. It worked for my dad who got caught speeding by radar in a neighboring state.

 

[Red Squirrel]

How bad is the charge? It's probably going to cost more to fight it, unless this is a tipping point where you are losing enough demerit points to lose your license then it's probably not worth it. Chances are there is some kind of loophole that a good lawyer could find though. Or you can go without a lawyer and just hope the cop does not show up.

 

[Kushina]

If you fighting it yourself you shouldn't have anything to lose check the fees to be sure. Also really depends on the county and judge in my experience. Fairfax County good luck, Alexandria County - much more humane. In MD you just pay to have it dropped.

 

[Puffnstuff]

If you take it to court and lose it's the fine plus court costs upping the overall costs. If you truly use your phone for navigation get a window mount for it and let it sit in front of you. This is what I do since my current car doesn't have built in navigation and google nav works great in real time for free. Last year my state enacted hands free driving laws making holding a cell while driving a misdemeanor so I really don't have any sympathy for someone playing with a cell phone in traffic. I cannot tell you how many times someone has almost hit me or another car in traffic around me while using one.

 

[OverVolt]

In MD more often than not they will drop it and you pay a fine but it saves you on insurance costs in the long run.

Just go to court and be honest.

 

[pauldun170]

Allow me to fix that for you

I got a traffic citation recently for looking at my cell phone while driving. I was officially guilty of breaking the law because I was looking at my cell phone while driving instead of looking at the road.

Allow me to rephrase
You earned the ticket, you deserve the ticket and there is no valid reason why your ticket should be dismissed.

You are clearly guilty so if you want out of the ticket you need to lie to the court and commit perjury.

 

[Bubblehappy]

Never hurts to show up for a ticket. Best thing that can happen is the officer doesn't show and the judge will dismiss it. Worse thing is you have to pay the ticket. If you have the time and a valid argument, I'd go.

 

[master_shake_]

Allow me to fix that for you



Allow me to rephrase
You earned the ticket, you deserve the ticket and there is no valid reason why your ticket should be dismissed.

You are clearly guilty so if you want out of the ticket you need to lie to the court and commit perjury.

derpy derp derp.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

I'd go, I've had 3 maybe moving violations dismissed in my life. 2 of the three times the court had no idea why I was there and dismissed them, 3rd time the judges essentially told me not to be stupid and dismissed the ticket.
Admittedly these were before the courts were that electronic but you have nothing to lose.