After getting a traffic ticket, you may feel tempted to just pay it off and move on with your life, especially if the offense seems minor. However, paying a ticket means it goes on your driving record, which could have consequences like a boost in your auto insurance rates. If you can, you may fight the ticket with evidence that supports your case.
Nerdwallet gives some examples of evidence you could gather shortly after an officer has written you a ticket. Depending on your circumstances, one or more of these methods may be of assistance if you contest a traffic offense.
GPS data
Your smartphone may give you important evidence. Some smartphones have apps that collect GPS data. This information may help calculate how fast you were going before the officer pulled you over. Since a GPS can also track your driving route, you can also retrace where you were driving prior to getting your ticket.
Images from the scene
The camera in your smartphone could also help you gather evidence. You can photograph anything at the scene like your vehicle, the road, or something nearby like a street sign or a structure like a fence or building. To take an example, if an officer pulled you over on account of speeding, you might note that an obstruction blocked the speed limit sign. Taking a picture of the sign may support your argument that you did not know how fast to go.
A written recollection of events
Your own remembrances of what happened at the scene may also prove valuable, especially if the officer gets facts wrong during a court proceeding. Once the police officer has left you at the scene, write down all the details you can remember about the incident. Include facts like the time of day and where the officer stopped you. Also, take note of anything that may have contributed to your ticket like a missing or blocked speed limit sign. The slightest detail may be important.
