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We agree to adhere to government-set speed limits on our highways, surface roads, and public streets as a society. Consequently, every time you exceed the limit, you open yourself up to the possibility of a speeding ticket. Duh, right? Well, there are a few ways to contest your nasty gram from the police, but it’s a bit of a long shot.

Beyond hoping for a verbal or written warning, you can contest a speeding ticket

A speeding ticket can ruin your day. One moment, you’re cruising along at a speed you consider safe. And the next? Well, you’re staring down the “cherries and berries” as a police officer pulls you over. That said, you can do a few things to contest your citation perhaps make it pull a Houdini-esque vanishing act. 

  • Be respectful; your would-be ticket could be a warning
  • You can contest your speeding ticket in court
  • If you believe you’ve been wrongly accused, seek counsel
  • If the police officer on your ticket doesn’t show up for court, you may be good to go

I know, I know. I can hear some of you cursing under your breath about resisting authority. Trust me, I get it. However, even if you think the police officer pulling you out of traffic is in the wrong, respect goes a long way.

Story time. I’m driving in a manner that we’ll call spirited through a twisty little road system outside of Austin, Texas. I come over a hill and boom– he’s got me. I was speeding and I knew it. However, I, a bearded, tattooed Latino in Central Texas, treated the officer with respect. We talked about the Kawasaki motorcycle he had parked across the street. Finally, he sent me on my way with a stern verbal warning not to drive quite so spiritedly again.

Now, I understand that there are conscious and unconscious factors at play in police-public interactions. However, the tired, cliche honey-vs-vinegar adage rings true here. If you treat a police officer with respect, they’re more likely to treat you with a reciprocal demeanor.

Okay, so despite being cordial, that law enforcement officer (LEO) still wrote you a ticket. It happens. Well, if you suspect that the circumstances surrounding your citation aren’t warranted, you can contest your speeding ticket in court.

Moreover, if you get an expensive ticket from law enforcement and you’re certain you can fight it, you should consider seeking the counsel of a lawyer who specializes in traffic cases. However, the services of a counselor might not be worth it in the face of the average speeding ticket.

Finally, in some contested ticket instances, the officer on the case might not show up for the court date. In those cases, the judge may dismiss the matter entirely, meaning you’re free to carry about your business without issue. But count yourself lucky; you might not be so fortunate next time. It’s better not to speed in the first place.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).