When I got pulled over, I didn't have insurance info, but I thought I was covered under my mom's plan. Apparently I wasn't and I wasn't pulled over for speeding or anything, it was because a taillight was out. I got insurance about an hour after I got pulled over, will the court dismiss it? I know I'm supposed to have it at the time, but that I showed I immediately got insurance, will they have any leniency you think? I have a clean record, and am a very presentable and good guy.
2007-12-21 17:50:31 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Most good policies cover anyone over the age of 21 if they are a licensed driver. Unless you were added in, shame on your Mom, and you for not checking. Immediately obtaining coverage will impress the court. Be courteous when speaking to the Judge. You have a good chance of having the citation dismissed.
2007-12-22 05:29:20 · answer #1 · answered by CGIV76 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Technically ignorance of your own situation, or ignorance of the law is not an excuse for a judge.
You had a responsibility to get insurance before you got behind the wheel of a car. Assuming that you were covered under your parent's policy was a bad assumption. Assuming that you could be driving without carrying prrof of insurance was a bad assumption.
I thought that the driver exam included stuff about knowing about your responsibilities.
Whatever you do, be polite to the judge, show evidence that the tail light has now been fixed, the insurance situation has now been fixed, any other situation been fixed. Show remorse that you had been oblivious to thse situations before you got pulled over, and tell the judge what you are now doing to avoid this happening again.
For example, before I get into my car, I often walk around it for a quick check the tires are Ok, no sign of new damage, no kids playing on the ground near where I am about to drive. Had you been doing that, you would have seen the tail light situation, then arranged to get that fixed PDQ.
How old is your car? On mine, when there is a problem with a turn signal, or a light, I get a warning on my dashboard. Did you have one on yours & did you know what it means? You need to be able to convince the judge that it was an honest mistake, while at the same time that you have taken measures to avoid making that mistake ever again.
2007-12-22 17:21:01 · answer #2 · answered by Al Mac Wheel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the Judge. Are you sure you were not covered under your mother's plan? Seems to me that you were. The owner of the car is responsible for insurance and if the car was registered to her then you should be okay. If the car was registered under your name then I would explain the situation to the Judge as well as you did here. The fact the you got insurance within an hour might help. I would not worry too much about it. If you want you can get a lawyer who deals with traffic infractions, but I think you will do just fine if you are respectful and honest in court. You may get hit with a fine, but it is not like this is anything serious - you certainly don't have to be concerned with going to jail or losing your license.
2007-12-22 02:18:33 · answer #3 · answered by SongDuck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically you are still guilty.
I would speak with the police and/or prosecutor at court immediately before your hearing.... Maybe you could suggest changing the charge to the broken tail light (since that ticket is most likely a fine only - with no points or suspension). Make sure to take your insurance paperwork along, look respectable, and act respectable.
2007-12-22 02:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by Bob 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some judges will drop the ticket, but most will just drop the fine if you plead guilty. This is a matter of judicial discretion in most courts.
2007-12-22 02:01:00 · answer #5 · answered by Lee G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What state or country are you in? What were you driving- as mothers car or one registered to you? Is you state or country requiring proof of insurance by driver , vehicle owner before registration, owner after registration, owner at time of transfer inspection? Need DETAILS .
2007-12-22 03:26:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you can ask a TV judge to help you out!!! Na, only kidding. Police only do their jobs and have guidlines. Just remember ATTITUDE and CIRCUMSTANCE dictate how thing will be resolved. Don't worry, you will be ok.
2007-12-22 09:34:03 · answer #7 · answered by Mike S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
final decision is up to judge....hopefully it will swing your way but technically it can go either way....either way let it be a valuable lesson and move on....
2007-12-22 08:42:56 · answer #8 · answered by daisybloom47 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋