Getting a traffic ticket is stressful. It inherently feels like you’ve done something wrong and are in trouble, and it can be hard to know how to act and what to do after getting a traffic ticket.
For some people, it can feel easier to take the path of least resistance and plead guilty. That’s just not true, though, and when you know what to do after getting a traffic ticket you can save yourself money, stress and blemishes on your driving record.
At We Defend, our team of experts has been helping Albertans deal with traffic tickets for decades. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- You have three options for handling a traffic ticket: pay the fine, request more time to pay, or plead not guilty.
- Paying the ticket is considered a guilty plea and may lead to fines and insurance premium increases.
- If pleading not guilty, attend court, gather evidence, and understand the law related to your case.
- Take detailed notes and obtain witness information immediately after receiving the ticket.
- Consider seeking legal advice for better chances of reducing charges or having the ticket dismissed.
What Are Your Options for Resolving a Traffic Ticket?
You’ve been pulled over and issued a ticket by a police officer. What now? Looking at the big picture, you have three options for how to deal with your traffic ticket.
Pay the Ticket
When you get a ticket, you have the option of just paying the fine, accepting the demerit points that may come with it, and hoping your insurance premiums don’t rise too much. You can pay the ticket in person at a courthouse, by mail, through the Traffic Tickets Digital Service, or at a registry office.
When you decide to pay the ticket, it is considered a guilty plea. You also have the option of pleading guilty and applying to the court for a reduction in your penalty. This usually needs to be done in person, but in certain cases you can request a reduction using the Application for a Reduced Penalty online
Request Time to Pay
If you’re unable to pay the full fine you’ve been issued as part of your traffic ticket by the date on the ticket itself, you can request more time to pay through the Traffic Tickets Digital Service. Reasons your request might be granted include medical conditions, attempts to participate in the fine option program, and your employment details.
Plead “Not Guilty”
It’s almost always worth it to fight a traffic ticket in Alberta. Fines are expensive, and insurance premium increases can add up fast, not to mention how demerit points can impact your driving record.
If you decide to plead “not guilty,” it’s important to know what to do after getting a traffic ticket.
- Attend court: You’ll need to enter your not guilty plea. There will be a court date listed on your ticket, and you should show up on that date to formally enter your plea.
- Contact the court: If the court date you’ve been issued isn’t possible to attend, you may be able to plead not guilty by mail or email, or request a new trial date. You may also be able to speak to a prosecutor in advance.
- Speak with a prosecutor: If you can connect with a prosecutor before your court date, you may be able to explain your situation and see what options are available.
What to Do If You Plan to Fight a Traffic Ticket
For those asking, “I got a traffic ticket, what should I do?”, fighting a traffic ticket is almost always a good idea. To be successful, however, there are a few key steps that can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Immediately After Getting a Ticket
- Stay calm: There’s no need to panic and even if you feel like the ticket is unjust, there’s no benefit in arguing with the police officer or provoking them in any way. Be polite and listen carefully.
- Take notes: As soon as the police officer has left you, write down any details from the incidents. This can include date, time, location, weather or anything else that may be important in your defence.
- Get witness information: Whether it’s people who were in your car or on the street and saw the incident, take down their contact information.
- Review the ticket: Make sure you read the details carefully. Make note of any important dates, deadlines or instructions.
Once You Decide to Fight the Ticket
- Gather evidence: This can include the notes you took immediately after being pulled over, but collect any evidence that may help your defence. This can include photos, videos, and witness statements.
- Understand the law: What are you actually accused of doing? What rule did you break? Make sure you familiarize yourself with the specific traffic laws you’re accused of breaking.
- Request disclosure: Ask for the evidence the prosecution has, including radar calibration records. Mistakes are made by law enforcement, and they can be central to helping you beat the traffic ticket.
- Prepare for trial: Get your evidence organized and prepare to present your case to the judge. Consider requesting an interpreter if needed.
- Consider legal advice: Your best bet for beating a traffic ticket is often to get help from an expert like our team at We Defend. We are deeply familiar with traffic court, have likely seen many cases similar to yours, and can give you the best chance of reducing your charges or having them dismissed entirely.
Once the Ticket Has Been Resolved
- Keep a receipt: If you ultimately have to pay a fine, make sure you keep proof of payment.
- Be careful on the road: You’ll want to avoid getting another ticket, so follow traffic laws so that you don’t need to go through the same process again.
- Understand the consequences: A conviction can lead to demerit points and increased insurance premiums. Be sure you understand both.
Fight Your Next Ticket With We Defend
If you’re thinking to yourself, “I got a traffic ticket, now what?” your next move should be calling the traffic ticket experts at We Defend. Our experienced team of traffic ticket experts will walk you through the process and explain what you should expect, so you can make an informed decision about whether to fight your ticket.
Get a free consultation today and let us help fight your ticket.
FAQ
What’s the best thing to do if you get a speeding ticket?
Fighting a speeding ticket is the best way to avoid paying expensive fines, getting demerit points and facing costly increases in your insurance premiums. Call a traffic ticket expert to give yourself the best chance to beat your speeding ticket.
What is the best defence against a speeding ticket?
This depends entirely on the specifics of your case, which is why it’s so useful to have a traffic ticket expert in your corner. They can identify inconsistencies or errors on your ticket that you might miss.