There’s certainly nothing more frustrating than seeing the flashing lights of a highway patrol or police officer in your rearview mirror. What’s the first thing that goes through your mind? Chances are, you start thinking about the expensive fine you’ll have to pay, or the increase to your insurance rates. Is there anything you can do? Definitely, use the following tips to help you minimize your NJ speeding ticket or fight it completely.

Don’t automatically assume you are guilty of a violation. If you take the ticket and pay it, rather than challenge it in court, you are admitting that you were guilty of the violation. Don’t assume that you won’t have a legitimate argument in court. You never know until you try.

Treat the police officer with politeness and respect. Police officers are used to arguing with people all day long, and not getting a lot of respect. Sometimes if you simply treat the officer politely and respectfully, you will get off with a warning. Of course, if you try to be manipulative, it could have the opposite effect.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a warning. If the officer has already started to write the ticket, there’s little you can do. But if the officer first approaches without the ticket book in hand, writing away, you can ask for a warning. Just remember to ask politely, without sounding arrogant, but also not pleading or whining. If you explain to the officer that you know how important it is to drive safely and a warning would serve as an ample reminder, you may get one.

Don’t volunteer information. While talking with you, the police officer is gathering information. When he or she asks you questions about how fast you were driving, or if you know why you were stopped, he or she will enter that information on the ticket. It can be as good as a guilty plea. Instead of volunteering information, answer the questions but be a bit evasive. Instead of volunteering “I was driving 70 mph” say “I may have been driving a bit too fast.”

Don’t hesitate to go to court. You may assume that you don’t have a case to argue in court, but you’d be surprised. First, get some guidance from a Toms Rivers New Jersey traffic tickets attorney. He or she will help you understand the charges against you, and the put together a defense. Also, the police officer may not appear at court, which will result in a dismissal of the ticket against you.

It may take a little extra time, but you can beat a New Jersey traffic ticket. This can save you a lot of money – in fines and in increased traffic rates. You can really save yourself a lot of money in the long run.