Would you/how can I fight this traffic ticket?

Question

I received a traffic ticket in Philadelphia last Friday (Aug. 31) for making a prohibited left turn. The cost is $117.50 and I am wondering if I should fight it. The "No Turns" sign was displayed next to the traffic light, but I just didn't see it. I live in NJ and usually commute via train, and so I was somewhat unfamiliar with driving in the city, and this intersection was the only one on my route (both daily and specific to that day) where you are not able to make the left turn, so without seeing the sign it didn't occur to me that the turn would be prohibited. The cop was kind of rude (though I know that doesn't really make a difference) and I was courteous and cooperative throughout the process. I have a 100% clean driving record since I started driving 6 years ago and this was the first time I'd ever even been pulled over. The cop did not even run my license to know that my history was clean.

Would you fight this ticket? If so, any advice for how I can do it? Thanks!

To clarify, when I was making the turn I didn't know that it was prohibited. I hadn't seen the sign and so I didn't know until the cop told me why he was pulling me over that it was a prohibited turn. So I didn't "know what I was doing and got caught." Just an FYI.

My insurance agent is also suggesting that I look into getting it knocked down to a non-moving violation to avoid having it cause too many problems in the future.

Answer 1

I'm not familiar with Philadelphia but out here you can attend driving classes at some cost and keep the violation off of your driving record which also keeps your insurance from going up. If it's your first violation you will qualify to take the course if they have them where you go. You can not take the class as a last resort if you fight the ticket and lose the case. Then it's too late. Ignorance of the law is never a good defense.

Answer 2

This might not be what you want to hear, but you are probably going to have to pay the ticket. On the road, not knowing will never be an excuse. If I didn't know my brakes were bad, and I got in an accident, I would still be at fault, see what I'm saying? You could possibly win if you fight it, but you would need either for the cop to not show up at the trial and/or the judge to really care. Or they could even reduce the fine. However, you have to ask if this is really going to be worth the time and effort.
I would suggest that you take the points, pay the fine and be on your way. It shouldn't affect your insurance too much, and since you sound like you have a clean record, this will be off of your record in no time (couple years or so).

Answer 3

You seem a little unclear on the concept here. You made an illegal left turn. You got caught. You got a ticket.

The fact that you didn't see the sign would hurt you in court, not help you. As a responsible driver you're SUPPOSED to see signs like that. To tell a judge you didn't see the sign would be admitting guilt AND reinforcing in the judge's mind that the officer did the right thing - giving you a ticket for an illegal left turn!

Also, the fact that you have a clean driving record is irrelevant. Everyone has a clean driving record until they get their first ticket!

Answer 4

No matter his terminology, you cant win this, theres no witnesses, *unless you have access to tape from a video somewhere, city owned or at a place of business. Id request traffic school take it pay the fines and keep your ins company from finding out, its more than the ticket, its the monthy fees added on for teh next few years of your ins which is what really costs. Mines 15 a month times what 3 or 4 years?

Answer 5

the best you can do is contact the court and see if you can get the fine reduced. talk to the prosecutor before your court date. you can point out your excellent driving record, and use that to cut a deal to pay a lesser fine. what ever you do though, DO NOT say the cop was rude as that will only hurt your case for a reduction in the fine. often times people mistake rudeness for professionalism. a cop has to maintain control of every situation, and thus has to have a detached demeanor.

Answer 6

Just pay the ticket. You will not win in court and it will add additional cost to you. "Not seeing" the sign will not be an excuse. Being from another State, will not be an excuse. The officer didn't run your license because he already knew he was going to give you a ticket (no matter what your record was). Actually, I'll bet he ran your license since you were from out-of-State and you just didn't notice.

Answer 7

How much is your time worth?

you can fight it but you will have to go to the court house 2 or 3 times for most of the day.

I would go the first time and see if they will let you plea "no contest" and pay a fine but not have it on your record if you don't commit the same crime over the next year. (they do that in TX)

Answer 8

Its a moving violation, you can fight it to get the points off and you will get the poitns off. But you arguements dont hold water. The sign was their, its your fault u didnt see it so that isnt goingto work, you were nice to the cop, doesnt mean you dont deserve the ticket, you have a 100 clean record...we all did at one time.

But i would suggest you fight it ust to not get the points.

Answer 9

using Minnesota rules as an example. i make a 5 minute phone call and make an appointment to talk to a lady in her office in the hallway just outside the courtroom. (her title is hearing officer. for my effort and not clogging up the courts and just keeping the system flowing she knocks 60 bucks off my ticket. in an hour and fifteen minutes i made one phone call drove to court, paid for parking took a meeting paid my ticket drove back home and mixed myself a cocktail. saved about $42 per hour . i will most likely lose in court and waste fifteen hours doing so.do the math!

Answer 10

You were wrong.
"I didn't see it." is not an excuse that will stand up in court.
Just pay the fine and get it over with.. no use trying to fight it, the sign was posted and you got caught.