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How do I get out of a careless driving ticket?
I received a ticket for careless driving the other day, but I don’t think I’m guilty of the charge. I read enough to know it’s up to the discretion of the police officer, but I disagree with his assessment. How can I get a careless driving ticket dismissed?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your predicament. To get out of a careless driving ticket, follow these steps:
- Find out when your court date is. This is usually listed on the ticket. If it isn’t, the ticket should have instructions on how to plead innocent and set a court date.
- Do some research on the legal definition of careless driving in your state. The definition can inform your strategy for fighting the ticket.
- Get a copy of the police report and go over it meticulously. Highlight any inconsistencies or any information you believe to be false.
- Contact witnesses. You may have to subpoena them so they show up in court. In this case, hiring an attorney might be essential.
- Request dashcam videos, if available, to strengthen your case.
- Finally, consult or hire an attorney. Although more expensive, the expertise you get can save you money down the road.
In the future, commit to being more careful when you’re behind the wheel. Eliminate
distractions
, obey the speed limit, and always use your turn signals.Your car insurance rates may go up as a result of your careless driving ticket. But that doesn’t mean you should overpay for insurance.
Jerry
can help.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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