While a traffic violation might seem, at first, to be a relatively minor issue to pay off and be done with, it’s not. The cost of pleading guilty is higher than you think because you can face rising insurance premiums as well as points accumulating on your driving record.
The Real Cost Of A Pennsylvania Traffic Ticket
Your ticket certainly includes the cost you see listed on the citation, but the fees don’t stop there. There are also court fees that you have to pay even if you plead guilty and decide to pay the ticket. On top of that, if you’re found guilty of a traffic violation, you could see a steep increase in your auto insurance premiums – even for minor moving traffic infractions.
If you accrue too many demerit points on your driving record, you could face additional monetary stress from having your license suspended. That could affect simple day-to-day tasks like commuting to work or school and your overall freedom in moving about town.
Why You Should Fight Your Pennsylvania Traffic Ticket
- Prevent your car insurance rates from skyrocketing
- Keep your driving record clean
- Avoid fines
Hiring a defense attorney to help you fight your ticket will pay off for years to come in insurance savings. An experienced Pittsburgh traffic lawyer may be able to get your points reduced or help you avoid getting any points at all.
Steps To Take If You Receive a Traffic Ticket
First, look over your citation. Check the violation and fines, and make certain that your name, address, vehicle information and license number are all correct. Second, you have 10 days to respond to the citation. If you ignore it, you may have to pay additional fines and your driver’s license can be suspended. If you have been charged with a traffic offense, it is a sound decision to hire an attorney who can help you fight your ticket and help you avoid having to pay more for your insurance costs.