First traffic ticket for disobeyed red traffic signal(9-11-306 (c)).What is best to do? Pay , school,or court?

Question

What is best to do ?: -pay $75 going in the record, go to trffic school-nothing in the record, or go to court?Ticket is on 11.24 2006. 6:30a.m. IL

Answer 1

If it's your first ticket, you'll probably get traffic school. I would go to court and try to get the school. Usually, it won't go against your record if you go to the school. If it goes on your record, you'll be paying far more than $75 since you're insurance will likely go up.

Answer 2

Often times, if you go to court, the judge will reduce the fine AND let you go to traffic school. Traffic school is about 100 bucks, but you'll make that up in "what would have been" your insurance increase.

You make out best at traffic school.

Answer 3

If you have the time to attend, then the best thing to do would be to go to traffic school. No money spent - clean record - chance to meet people and network - maybe find a date - no risk of losing in court, not as bad as it sounds.

Answer 4

1) file for continuance of court date...80% likelihood that cop won't show for new date

2) time lights, especially yellow light. Make sure length of time is according to law. If it's too short, ticket is thrown out.

3) if you lose case, ask for community service in lieu of fine. I don't think they have to do this, but since this is your first offense they might open this door

4) contact state senators asking to push bill that people can opt for jail time instead of paying fine. This would reduce the incentive of communities passing out tickets for the appearance of revenue generation. Also poorer people will not lost a month's salary for speeding whereas to a millionaire the fine is like a penny.