How To Fight A Speeding Ticket And Win (2025)

What to Do Immediately After Getting a Speeding Ticket

Getting pulled over can be stressful, but how you react in the moment and right after can make a big difference. Stay calm and take a second to prepare for your interaction with law enforcement. Be respectful and compliant, but do not admit guilt or make excuses. If you’re issued a ticket, you should:

• Review it for accuracy, such as the location, speed and officer name
• Make note of the weather and road conditions
• Take photos if relevant, such as a down speed limit sign
• Write down everything you remember about the stop

Once you’re home, look up the speeding ticket penalties in your state. Many tickets list the statute you allegedly violated.

How to Plead Not Guilty and Prepare Your Defense

If you want to contest the ticket, you’ll generally need to plead not guilty. There should be instructions on the ticket for submitting your plea, which you can usually turn in online or via mail. Some jurisdictions require you to go to an arraignment hearing to enter a plea. The court will then assign you a trial date.

If you miss your window for submitting a not guilty plea, you will likely have to pay the fine. If you don't, your license could be suspended. With that in mind, make sure you pay attention to all deadlines on your ticket.

To prepare for your defense after you’ve entered your plea, you’ll need to:

• Gather any documentation, photos or dashcam and body cam footage
• Request a copy of the officer’s notes and radar or laser calibration records
• Review state and local traffic laws that apply to your case

Navigating how to fight a speeding ticket on your own can be complicated. The best approach is to speak to a legal professional before you head to court.

Common Defenses That Can Beat a Speeding Ticket

Speeding ticket defenses typically fall into one of a few categories. While no single defense works in every case, these are among the most common:

• The radar or laser devices were not properly calibrated or tested
• The officer clocked the wrong vehicle
• You were speeding to avoid a road hazard or because of an emergency
• There was a lack of posted speed limit signs

Keep in mind that challenging the officer’s training or the accuracy of the device can be very difficult. If an officer’s device was properly calibrated and they have proof of undergoing the required training, then the speed reading may be presumed to be correct.

Should You Hire a Lawyer or Represent Yourself?

There are a few scenarios where you might choose to represent yourself, such as:

• The fine is low
• There is no risk of having your license suspended
• You feel confident asking questions and presenting evidence
• You’re eligible for traffic school

In most cases, though, you can greatly benefit from an attorney’s assistance.

Here are a few scenarios where you should consider hiring an attorney:

• You have prior violations on your record
• You’re facing high fines
• The case involves complex evidence
• You hold a commercial driver’s license

You should definitely hire a lawyer if your speeding incident resulted in personal injury.

Alternatives to Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Court

Not every case requires a court battle. There are some alternatives you could explore, such as the following:

• Traffic School: Many states allow you to attend traffic school to avoid points
• Deferred Adjudication: This is a probationary period where the ticket can be dismissed if you avoid any additional violations
• No Contest: Some states allow you to plead “no contest” and ask the judge to withhold the points, but you may still have to pay the fine

These options can result in fewer long-term consequences. However, if the speeding ticket stays on your record, it can affect your insurance and open you up to future penalties.

So how long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? While the timeline varies by state, most jurisdictions keep speeding tickets on your record for three to five years. During that time, your average car insurance cost per month will likely go up.

What Happens After You Resolve the Ticket

Several things may follow after you’ve fought the ticket or accepted an alternative resolution, such as the following:

• If Dismissed: You’ll face no points and no fines
• If Convicted: Points are added to your license, and you may need to pay a fine
• If Traffic School Is Completed: The ticket and points may be removed from your record, although you may have to pay the fine

Once you resolve your ticket, consider adjusting your driving habits. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding was a major factor in the deaths of nearly 12,000 people in 2023 alone.

How to Fight a Speeding Ticket With ConsumerShield

One of the most important steps you can take when it comes to how to fight a speeding ticket is to seek legal advice as early as possible. ConsumerShield’s network of attorneys can assist with everything from speeding tickets to car accidents.

If you’ve received a ticket and need to explore your options, don’t wait to reach out to us. We can connect you with an experienced lawyer near you. Complete our form to get started today.