A traffic ticket or citation is technically an accusation of breaking the law. Police officers issue tickets for violations ranging from excess speed to a failure to use turn signals in traffic. Citations carry fines that depend on the offense. Paying the citation is the equivalent of pleading guilty to the alleged traffic offense.
Quite a few people issued tickets by the police make the immediate decision to pay the citation. They view that as the only real option available to them. However, everyone accused of breaking the law has an opportunity to defend against those allegations. They can even go to court to fight the ticket. Doing so protects them from not just a fine but from the secondary consequences that a ticket may inspire. The following are three of the most significant secondary consequences that may result from pleading guilty to a traffic offense by paying a ticket.
Higher insurance costs
Insurance providers look at someone’s driving record and specific demographic information when deciding how much a policy should cost. A single traffic infraction causes Insurance costs to increase by an average of 18%. Those with repeat violations can expect to pay even more than that for coverage.
The risk of losing a license
Someone who has multiple prior traffic offenses on their record could theoretically lose their driving privileges. A Washington driver’s license might be at risk if they receive six citations within a 12-month period. Seven tickets within two years can also lead to a license suspension. A license is still vulnerable to suspension if they accrue any more tickets after regaining their license.
Career consequences
If someone drives for work, a traffic violation might affect their employment. Businesses also see an increase in insurance costs when someone driving a company vehicle has a problematic traffic record. Someone without a license may not be able to handle certain job tasks they usually perform. Beyond that, a traffic violation could eligibility for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Those who operate heavy trucks and other commercial vehicles may not be able to work after particularly serious or repeat traffic violations.
The choice to fight a traffic ticket is often a better option than paying it once people know the possible consequences that they could face if they simply send payment into the state. Successfully fighting a traffic ticket can preserve someone’s license and help keep their insurance costs reasonable.