Well i got my first speeding ticket ever in my life (only 25 years old) and it happened in a commercial vehicle.
For those in california, it was on the 5 north at gorman, right when the 45mph zone turns into a 35 mph zone, the CHP tagged me at 48mph...

Got a court date and everything, it's in Kern county, and i live in Orange county. (2ish hour drive). The officer was telling me that i should come to my court date because i have a good chance to win if i fight it...

...anyone with any experience got any advice?
im guessing lawyers are pretty expensive, but i know it's worth it to keep my record spotless....

i dont understand the concept though of fighting it? im young and naive lol, i got caught, what the hell am i supposed to say? are there any particulars like not admitting to it, or making some crap excuses like i missed a gear or his radar could have been off or scanned someone else, or my speedometer was off or some other crap?

or should i just take this ticket like a man, pay my fines, blemish my record, and drive like granny for the next 12 months?

advice would be greatly appreciated.

Missing gears or any other excuse is irrelevant to an officer protectiong the public from speeders. You fighting the ticket is your RIGHT and with one citation on your record just might be a good option. Learn your lesson and move on. You should take pride in your good driving record and you should protect it.

Thanks roadrage, i guess ill just go to my court date and see what happens.... it IS my only ticket, so as long as i dont get anymore i should be ..

...one more thing....what should i say in court?

sorry.....

I've seen these two things happen in court. Some states might differ.

1. Go to court. Officer not there? Plead not guilty and go home.
Afraid to try #1?
2. Go to court. Plead guilty with supervision. (Traffic school, fine) Record will be clean.


If you are convicted, I believe you need to let your TM know about it and at the very least, notate it on the annual review of your driving record.
Also go over the Speeding policy with your TM.

Good Luck in court and start using the SMITH system. (Aim High In Steering and Keep Your Eyes Moving come to mind)

If your location of California is correct here is a Self Help Link that might.....help.

Common Questions About Traffic Tickets