Traffic tickets serve as a punishment for breaking federal or state traffic laws meant to reduce traffic accidents and reckless driving habits. Senior traffic tickets are given to senior drivers for the same reasons as younger drivers, but seniors may face more tickets and penalties as they age. An increase in traffic citations should be a sign that a senior’s driving safety needs to be addressed. Because seniors may experience medical issues that inhibit their driving abilities, they should pay attention to signs that their driving skills need to be reinforced. Sometimes, multiple traffic violations on seniors’ driving records can result in the suspension or revocation of their licenses, so they must be aware of their driving abilities to remain safe on the roads. However, senior traffic citations may also be issued wrongly or under false pretenses. In these instances, senior drivers have the opportunity to dispute the tickets rather than pay them and accept the consequences. To learn how to handle traffic tickets by paying or disputing them, seniors may review the following sections.
When to Pay Traffic Tickets
Senior traffic tickets are often issued by local law enforcement officers for minor reasons and only require drivers to pay fines. However, some traffic fines may be accompanied by harsher punishments, including but not limited to jail time and mandatory participation in driver safety courses. Determining whether to pay or fight traffic ticket charges involves understanding the severity of the traffic offense in question. For instance, seniors may prefer to settle simpler violations outside of court to save time and energy. Additionally, senior traffic citations issued for infractions or misdemeanors such as speeding or tailgating do not affect driving records as much as more serious citations resulting in felony charges. Therefore, seniors should pay speeding ticket charges or other minor fines rather than challenge them in a court of law. By doing so, senior drivers can quickly regain their driving privileges, if applicable, and retain their independence without much issue.
When to Fight Traffic Ticket Charges
A traffic ticket defense is requested when drivers disagree with traffic charges assigned to them. Typically, traffic tickets such as those issued for driving under the influence (DUI), unregistered vehicles and the illegal operation of vehicles are disputed. However, drivers may dispute charges for any offense. If senior drivers find themselves facing serious charges, they may wish to reconsider paying their tickets, as paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty to the charge. Also, seniors may choose to fight traffic ticket charges if they are at risk of losing their driver’s licenses due to the accumulation of points. However, senior drivers must understand and engage in safe driving practices and be able to prove that they were not at fault or should have reduced charges before choosing to dispute traffic charges. Fighting traffic ticket charges can be challenging and must be carefully considered.
How to Pay a Speeding Ticket Charge
Seniors may pay speeding ticket online, in person, by mail or by phone, depending on the states in which they reside. To pay speeding ticket fines online, senior drivers can visit the online payment site for their local department of motor vehicle (DMV) and enter their information as prompted by the online payment system. Seniors may also visit their municipal courts in person with the total ticket payment to resolve their tickets. Additionally, a traffic ticket typically holds information about the court or department responsible for accepting ticket payment. Therefore, seniors can mail their ticket payment to their local courts as instructed by their tickets or call the court using the number provided in order to pay their fines. Information explaining how to pay a speeding ticket should be printed on the tickets and may differ depending on the traffic offense committed and the state’s payment guidelines. Some drivers may not have the option to pay for a traffic ticket online due to their offense. However, paying it online can save a senior’s time and energy.
About Traffic Tickets and Driving Records
Senior traffic violations are recorded in state driving records. The number of traffic tickets drivers receive will be tracked by each state’s DMV. Each state has different periods of time for which tickets remain on driving records and affect driving privileges.
Steps for Disputing a Traffic Ticket
The process of fighting traffic tickets differs slightly in every state. However, a traffic ticket defense must always consist of a legal hearing and be officiated by a judge. Additionally, seniors must either represent themselves in court or hire a ticket attorney to speak for them in legal proceedings. The process for fighting traffic ticket charges is made up of the following steps:
- Respond to the traffic ticket by indicating your desire for a defense.
- Schedule the defense date.
- Attend the hearing.
- Present evidence.
- Wait for verdict.
Learn About Hiring an Attorney for Traffic Citations
A traffic ticket attorney is well versed in traffic laws and can help senior drivers understand how to dispute traffic charges. Not only can ticket defense lawyers increase seniors’ chances of successfully fighting charges, but they can also ease stress and help seniors reduce possible penalties. Therefore, seniors who are unfamiliar with traffic laws and are concerned that their traffic violations may negatively affect their lives should consider hiring a ticket attorney.