Going to traffic court to fight a ticket, what should I wear?

[RambleOn]

Today is my court date for the ticket I got back in July. I was ticketed for going straight in a right turn only lane. The problem was, there were no signs posted saying "Right lane for right turn only", there was just a painted sign on the road itself saying "right turn only". I was unfamiliar with the area as I was using a detour from my normal route home from work due to construction. The 5 cars in front of me in heavy traffic were covering the sign in the lane, so I had no way of knowing. Plus, it just seemed logical to stay to the right as the their were people turning left in the left lane. The 5 people in front of me were flagged into a parking lot and ticket as well.

Anyhow, I was wondering what I should wear to the courthouse? Khaki's and a collared shirt, or a shirt and tie? I'm not sure what's more appropriate....

 

Shirt and tie.
Showing respect for authority will show the judge that you are a respectable citizen and that will help you with your case.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Roger
Shirt and tie.
Showing respect for authority will show the judge that you are a respectable citizen and that will help you with your case.

Absolutely. Just be honest w/the judge. You were unfamiliar w/the area and the signage was confusing. He'll either dismiss it or reduce it by a good amount. Good luck.

 

[IGBT]

I showed up in overall's once and got a stop sign ticket dissed. But they wouldn't diss.the failure to wear a seat belt tic.

 

[RambleOn]

Thanks for the advice, I'm warming up the iron for my shirt and pants BTW, if this ticket does indeed stick, a marked lane violation will land me with a surcharge on my insurance I think?

 

BTW, if this ticket does indeed stick, a marked lane violation will land me with a surcharge on my insurance I think?

Dpenends on several factors ;

How many moving violations you have had in the past three years.

Your particular insurance company.

The state you live in.

 

[Doggiedog]

I had a ticket dismissed in June.

I usually wear a suit and tie to work but I read somewhere not to be too formal. So I went in dress slacks and a collared shirt.

First word of advice is to talk to the prosecutor and make sure you explain your side or the situation, your record (if it is good) and your willingness to negotiate or pay a fine if they let you off without points.

I went to court in a relatively affluent area but most of the cases were with lower income people so if you went in with a suit and tie, you'd stick out sorely.