How often have you received a traffic ticket and decided to just pay it without disputing it? What if we told you that admitting to being at fault wouldn’t only cost you money but could also have adverse effects on your driving record?
From careless driving charges to speeding tickets and driving on the wrong side of the road, how do you fight a traffic ticket in Calgary, Edmonton, and throughout Alberta? Find out from the local professionals at We Defend how you can effectively contest a ticket, even with the simplest excuse!
Why You Should Fight a Traffic Ticket in Calgary
How do you fight a traffic ticket, and “why” should you fight it? Admitting that you are wrong when you know you are is a good quality to have when working with oneself and aiming to build trust. However, this is not the case when you fight a traffic ticket. It’s more complicated. If you give in to a traffic ticket, you ultimately admit to being at fault, which is the last thing you want to do.
When you accept the penalty and pay the fine, you are admitting to the system that you did wrong, and you will pay for it. Depending on the situation, you could face unpleasant consequences, including the following:
- Added demerit points (lasting up to two years)
- Facing a premium increase
- Negative driving record
- License suspension
This is what drivers typically surrender to when they don’t bother fighting a traffic ticket. Often, they don’t even know the option exists, or they believe their “excuse” is not reasonable. But we can prove to you otherwise.
Some of the most common traffic tickets include:
The Process of Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Alberta
So how do you fight a traffic ticket effectively?
- Review: The first step starts with reviewing the ticket in detail. Verify the date, location, and time, and refresh your memory of that incident should you not have been aware of it. The traffic tickets you receive in the mail should have images of your vehicle and license plate.
- Evidence: Think of any supporting materials you can gather, such as saved videos, photographs, and statements of any witnesses.
- Understanding The Laws: Ensure you fully understand the traffic laws specific to the type of traffic ticket you have. This will strengthen your defence when fighting a traffic ticket in Alberta. If you’re struggling, we recommend that you consult a traffic ticket agent.
- Get a Court Date: Request a trial date and, most importantly, plead not guilty.
- Prepare Your Defence for Court: We recommend that you request that the officer on duty disclose the evidence, such as the footage and calibration records for the radar/laser measurements. This should be done at least one month before your court date. It will give you plenty of time to analyze these documents to check for flaws and weaknesses.
- When in Court: Dress formally on the day of your hearing, and be prepared to confidently explain your defence. Also, be prepared for what the prosecutor might have to say about your traffic violation and respond accordingly.
- Verdict: After reviewing the evidence and statements provided, the judge will deliver a verdict.
- Appeal: If you’re not happy with the final verdict, you have the right to file an appeal.
The answer to how to fight a traffic ticket requires some diligence, but we promise you that the effort is worth it. Simply by appearing in court, you are proving to the prosecutor that you are convinced about your innocence.
Plus, the issuing traffic officer may not even be present, which can give you extra leverage to back your defence with the evidence that you have.
How Can I Fight a Traffic Ticket in Alberta with We Defend?
The thought of defending yourself in front of local authorities can be daunting, and you’ll know that it’s going to be a time-consuming process. It’s easy to believe that they are always right, but they are not.
Luckily, you don’t have to do this alone. The team at We Defend Tickets are Alberta’s professional traffic ticket fighters and are dedicated to helping you contest traffic tickets from start to finish.
Why Choose We Defend Tickets?
At We Defend, we are committed to elevating our clients’ rights by appealing against driving violations. This includes questioning the traffic law system and protecting your driving records and insurance premiums. Whatever the fine you’ve been charged with, we can help you save money and avoid unwanted demerit points.
What’s the worst that can happen? You lose your license without trying to defend yourself. Want to fight your traffic ticket successfully? Reach out to our experts today to get started!
How Do You Fight a Traffic Ticket – FAQs
How Many Albertans Actually Dispute Their Traffic Tickets?
Out of the two million traffic tickets that are issued in Alberta each year, about 400,000 drivers actually dispute them, and roughly 60,000 appear in court. While 60K is a significant number, we believe that a lot more people stand the chance of a successful dispute.
Can I Know in Advance If I’m Getting a Traffic Ticket?
This will depend on the traffic law that you violate. Unless you see the flashing of cameras as you speed past an intersection, you won’t always know you’ve been photographed. Not knowing means no recollection of that particular day.
A better example is “Drive Safe” officers in school zones, who use photo radar to measure speed. Half the time, a speeder won’t even know their vehicle and license plate have been photographed. However, since 2022, the yellow “Drive Safe” decals on vehicles have been designed to increase roadside visibility.
What are the Most Common Mistakes People Make When Fighting a Traffic Ticket in Alberta?
Some of the most common mistakes people make include the following:
- Admitting to being at fault in front of the officer or in court
- Missing the ticket deadline
- Not gathering evidence to back your defence or not reviewing the ticket carefully.
- Not hiring a traffic ticket agent
What Are Some Common Excuses People Give for Fighting Traffic Tickets?
Some common excuses include:
- “I was late for work.”
- “I did not see the school zone sign due to the tall van covering it.”
- “I didn’t know I was speeding.”
- “I had an emergency” or “I needed the bathroom.”
How do you fight a traffic ticket in Alberta without making these mistakes? Contact us at We Defend today to learn more.