Traffic tickets are embarrassing and potentially inconvenient. Many drivers who get pulled over by police officers want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. They can achieve that goal by paying the ticket.
What they may not realize is that paying the fine associated with the traffic citation is the equivalent of pleading guilty. They have a blemish on their driving record that can affect their options in the future, including their eligibility for a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Most motorists don’t need to drive professionally, so they may not worry about pleading guilty to a traffic offense. Paying a ticket does mean that a driver does not have to go to court to fight it. However, they may face surprising expenses that persist for years after they pay the citation.
Tickets affect insurance rates
Insurance premiums in New Jersey tend to be a bit higher than the national average. For motorists who have citations on their recent driving records, coverage tends to cost even more.
Experts estimate that a single traffic ticket can increase insurance rates for New Jersey drivers by an average of 21%. Multiple tickets can have an even stronger impact on the cost of insurance.
Drivers usually pay increased premiums for three years after the citation. Particularly when people carry full coverage, the total cost of their increased insurance premiums could far exceed what they saved by choosing not to go to traffic court.
Reviewing the circumstances surrounding a speeding ticket with a skilled legal team can help drivers choose how to respond. Motorists who successfully defend against traffic tickets don’t have to worry about losing their driving privileges or paying more for insurance.