What To Do If You Get Caught In A Speed Trap

Getting caught in a speed trap always seems so unfair. Police officers conceal themselves or the police car just to catch you when you’re not ready. That’s entrapment, isn’t it?

No, it isn’t. Entrapment means coercing you to do something illegal and using radar or laser speed gun to enforce speed limits does not qualify as entrapment. Entrapment is one of the myths of fighting a speeding ticket that many drivers believe when they get caught speeding. Another one is that the officer must show you the reading on the radar or laser gun.

Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding what to do after you get a speeding ticket. If you don’t learn the realities, it could end up costing you a lot of money   

3 Steps to Take if You’re Caught in a Speed Trap

The real cost of traffic tickets is often not the fine on the ticket, but the ticket’s impact on your driving record and, subsequently, your insurance rates. So it pays to do everything you can to minimize the charges and fines, or have the ticket dismissed

1. Accept the Ticket – Don’t argue with the law enforcement officer who gives you the ticket. It is highly unlikely to work. It also runs the risk of reducing the chance that the officer will not lower the speed listed on the ticket to save you fine costs and/or demerit points, which happens relatively often.
   
   
2. Always Take the Trial Option – After getting a speeding ticket, you have three options, which are listed on the back of the ticket.
   
   
   1. Option 1: Plea of Guilty – This option means you admit that you didn’t obey the speed limit and you pay the ticket. Do not choose this option if you want the ticket to be reduced or dismissed.
      
      
   2. Option 2: Early Resolution – Meet with the Prosecutor sometimes called Plea of Guilty – Submission as to Penalty – This option can sound enticing because it often means your fine and/or demerit points may be reduced due to your explanation. Don’t fall for the “Early Resolution” marketing speak. You will still be found guilty and your insurance rates may still go up.
      
      
   3. Option 3: Trial Option – Choose this option. The reasons are many. At worst, it gives you the most time to pay, even if the fines and demerit points are not reduced at trial. At best, it gives you time to check your options, seek advice and do everything you can to have the ticket dismissed.
      
      
3. Hire A Lawyer or Legal Expert Who Specializes in Defending Against Speeding Tickets – Unless you are specifically trained, it is impossible for you to know the laws, the court procedures and methods of law enforcement well enough to successfully defend yourself in court. Yes, it will cost you a legal fee, but the savings in a reduced or eliminated fine, and lower insurance rates for years to come, are more than worth it.

If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how long a speeding ticket stays on your record in Ontario.