How should I tell my aunt and uncle that I got a speeding ticket?

Question

I've lived with them for a little over a year. I've never done anything "bad" so I'm not sure how to go about it.

Since I was going 24 mph over the speed limit I have to go to court. This is the reason I'm afraid to tell them. I'm 18, but on their insurance policy.

Right now they are out of town for 4-5 more days. Should I tell them over the phone? Or should I wait until they come home to tell them? Maybe wait until they have a glass of wine in them?

I know I really screwed up and I feel awful.

I was on my way home from work at a little after 8pm. I am usually very responsible. They trust me with an open liquor cabinet. This is my first ticket. I definately do not want to ruin their vacation. I live with them because my parents both passed away. I was not drinking, talking on the cell, etc.

Answer 1

you need to tell them NOW (even if it is over the phone) before they get the letter from their insurance company that their rates have just increased and why. They'd much rather you be up front and honest.

Answer 2

I would tell them when I got home, write an apology card, and have the speeding ticket in plain view.
let them get the card with the mail..
tell them in person.
if they ask on the phone if anything is wrong, or happened that they can wait to get home to hear about your ticket.

I would wait until they got home, no way ruin their vacatoin!!!

and i would apologize, tell them i will pay the higher insurance, go to traffic school. show them the ticket, have an apology card in the pile of mail they pick up.

be really sincere, and follow thru and don't do it again!!

you didn't wreck the car.......... it's your first ticket!!!
you have to pay for your ticket not them, and i don't think ONE ticket rasies the insurance, and if it does, you get a job and pay for it!!

HONESTY IS ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY
timing is of the essence.
DEPENDS--would they want to know something that they can't do anything about on the phone?
can it wait 4-5 days?
how important is it?
is it urgent to tell them? no
do you need to tell them? ye
when do you need to tell them? before they get the bill
and after they have unpacked and told you all the wonderful fun they had, then say, i got some bad news/good new situation
i'm okay, but i got a ticket while you were gone.
i love you guys, and learned a valuable lesson and promise i'll never do it again, i was a foolish 18 yr old. please forgive me.
i would have told you on the phone, but didn't want to upset your vacation, since it wasn't life or death.

what kind of relationship do you have with them?
if it's always honest and up front-- u already know what to do.
you are just scared.

Look at it this way-- the car is fine, you are safe, you didn't hurt anyone. YOU are just embarassed that you got caught.

they won't kill you. tell them you got stopped by the police
good news/bad news, I wasn't drinking, no one got hurt, but i was speeding.

upside, no hospital bills, or broken bones.
they love you and want you to be okay.
and you are not the only one who's ever gotten a ticket.
it's not a car accident, you didn't hurt anyone, just YOUR driving record!!!

relax. wait until they get home. and drive the speed limit.
it's a lot less stressful and safer in the long run!
now you are thinking was that 25 miles an hour over the speed limit worth it? no-- i had to stop and didn't save anytime.

Answer 3

Congratulations, you refresh my faith in 18 year old...the fact that you feel so bad about this, and you even thought about the fact that you are on their insurance, tells me that you have a good head on your shoulders and this won't happen again. Calm down a little, your Aunt and Uncle must be very good people to let you live there and even put on their insurance...they totally love you. And, they know you and must trust you or you wouldn't be at home while they are gone for a few days. Sure, they will be upset, their insurance may go up some and 24 mph over the limit is awfully fast, so I'm sure you will reprimanded in some way. Do not tell them over the phone, they'll just worry more until they get back. Let them know that you will pay your ticket yourself and the extra cost on the insurance and that you have learned from this. I bet they go to court with you and totally support you...they already know you well enough to know you feel terribly. It will all work out, don't kick yourself too much, just be thankful you didn't get in a wreck or hurt anyone and don't drive that fast anymore!!! God Bless.

Answer 4

You should wait until your aunt and uncle get home from vacation, but do tell them as soon as they get home. You don't want them to find out from their insurance company that you got a speeding ticket, you need to tell them yourself. Show them that you are an adult and can take responsibility for your own mistakes. Your insurance rates will go up so be prepared to fork over the extra money. In the state where I live, if you write a nice letter to the court they will sometimes lower the fine and take away less points from your license, so that is worth a shot. Good luck!

Answer 5

Lighten up, wait till they get back and just be honest and tell them you screwed up and got caught. Its not the end of the world, when you go to court make up some story and try to get out of it, or plead no contest, and pay the fine. If the officer doesn't show up at the hearing, you automatically win the case, but if he shows up, no matter what story you a connived up, and rehearsed, you'll more than likely lose the case, but at least you'll have given it a shot, its the American way! " Your honor, the dog died and I needed the shovel, but the shovel was only available on Tuesdays....blah, blah,blah" you get the point, be honest with your family, they'll understand, everyone was young once! Don't feel aw full, just drive more responsible and chalk up another lesson learned.

Answer 6

I am sure they already know. sometimes when a person is like under 21 the ins company calls the guardian whos ins they are on to notify them of the change in policy and $$ they will be paying. they may be waiting on you to tell them now. Just do it and get it over with.. They will at least give you points for not lying to them about it.. But do it before the court date..

Answer 7

I would tell them in person, out of respect, and they will see you as more of a mature person for it. Then tell them, "well, I didn't think this would happen, but on (whatever date it was) I wasn't
paying attention, and I went over the speed limit, and got a ticket for it". I'm truly sorry, but like I said, it's totally "my" fault. By taking responsibility for your own actions, they'll have more reason to believe in you, and won't be so hard on you. Good luck.

Answer 8

Hey, it's not like you went out and killed someone or burned the house down,.........relax a little...
I definately would have a plan of how to tell them, let them know how upset you are and you are sorry that you have dissapointed them, you didn't really screw up, you made a mistake.
No one expects (or shoud) perfection from an 18 yr. old, believe me I lived through two of them...
Don't do it on the phone, in person is braver, it'll be okay, if that is the worse thing you have done, lucky them...good luck. oh yeah...and, this is the mom in me coming out, slow down!!!!!

Answer 9

Tell them when they get home. No need to ruin their trip. Think of others before you think of yourself.

You made a mistake, so promise to learn from it. You may want to start driving a little slower, also.

If I were your aunt/uncle : I'd help you pay the ticket/court costs, and then I'd drop you from the insurance. That way, there's no future risk, and you don't have to tell them about the next ticket !

Answer 10

Tell them when they get back after you ask about their vacation/trip. They will understand. Just let them know that it will never happen again and that you really are sorry.

A speeding ticket is not that big of a deal. They will respect you for telling them.