Traffic Ticket Myths

Many motorists are under the assumption that certain police officers have specific biases when it comes to issuing traffic citations. Are red cars (especially sports cars) going to receive more tickets? Do police officers issues more tickets at the end of the month? Can you avoid paying for the citation if the officer forgets to get your signature?

What are the truths about these and other traffic citation myths?

Of course, it should be clearly noted that the most effective way to avoid a traffic ticket is to obey the law: drive within the speed limit; make full stops; do not drive in the carpool lane unless you have the proper number of passengers; etc. And, definitely do not drive when under the influence of alcohol, drugs or certain medications.

1) Is it true...
Red cars are a red flag for speeding tickets?

Possibly. There have been studies that indicate drivers of red vehicles receive more citations than other colors. While police officers will deny giving special attention to red cars, the flashy-looking vehicle may simply catch their eye more than other colors. Another theory is that some motorists who drive red cars -- especially sports cars -- tend to drive faster that others.

2) Is it true...
When an officer makes mistakes on the citation the ticket will be dismissed?

This is true. Errors on the citation regarding "who," "where" and "how" can often be used to get the citation dismissed. For example, if the citation says the vehicle is a white minivan, but it is a black convertible, then the judge may dismiss the case.

3) Is it true...
If the police officer is not present at your appearance date, then your case will be dismissed?

Yes -- usually. Most judges will drop the case if the officer is not present. Sometimes if the officer is not present the case will be rescheduled for another date.

4) Is it true...
Certain stories work better than others in order to get out of a ticket?

The vast majority of police officers will not buy any stories or excuses. If they pull you over, they already believe you broke the traffic law(s), so you probably will not be able to talk your way out of it. If you are responding to an emergency, you can try to politely explain the situation to the officer. He/she may be kind and just issue a warning. More often than not, however, the excuse will not work. When you do get pulled over, simply be polite to the officer and comply with his/her requests. You do not have to admit that you were speeding, but definitely do not say anything that will irritate the officer. Accept the citation without a fuss and get on with your day. 

5) Is it true...
The best way to beat a traffic ticket is to hire an attorney?

It may be worth hiring an attorney, depending on the violation and the cost of the ticket. If you already have several citations on your record and are in danger of a license suspension or jail time, then it may be worth the investment to hire a good attorney. However, the attorney fee may cost more than the citation, so you will have to weigh the potential costs and consequences involved.

6) Is it true...
Sometimes the law enforcement department fails to report your ticket, so the violation does not appear on your insurance record?

This almost never happens -- even if you received your citation in another state. Nearly all states share traffic conviction information, and the National Driver Registry stores data about license suspensions and major violations.

7) Is it true...
Radar detectors will eliminate the risk of getting a speeding ticket?

No. There are many law enforcement officers who do not utilize radar in order to catch speeders. Some agencies use airplanes. Some officers cleverly tail drivers to gauge their speed. Police officers are skilled at hiding in traffic to aovid being spotted. And, even when the officers are using radar, the radar detector may not pick up the device until it is too late. In addition, law enforcement agencies are constantly upgrading their radar equipment to make it more difficult to detect.

8) Is it true...
If you do not sign your citation, will your case be dismissed?

Not true. The signature is basically a promise to show up in court. Refusing to sign the ticket is also illegal in some states.