How best to fight an out of state traffic ticket?
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How best to fight an out of state traffic ticket?
My daughter was passing through PA on her way to VA and was pulled over because she was traveling in the left lane to get off the exit on the left lane. Supposedly there’s a law that you can’t stay in the left lane. She didn’t know, neither did I, and received over a $140 ticket. She won’t be able to go back to PA to fight the ticket, so I was wondering if I could call and explain the situation to the court to at least get the fine dropped or dismissed all together. She
didn’t even get a warning.
Asked on November 25, 2018 under General Practice, Connecticut
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
No, you can only fight--or negotiate a plea--on a ticket in person, not by phone. If she appeared, there'd be a reasonable chance of getting the fine lowered (and or fewer points, if there are any points attached), assuming she has a clean or good record otherwise, but it is not likely to be worthwhile to go to court in PA. Bear in mind that "ignorance of the law" is no defense--not knowing that rule is not a defense to the ticket. That's why the best she could do would be to speak to the prosecutor, who generally is lenient about not dismissing, but reducing the fines, points, etc. for otherwise good drivers--but, as stated, that would have to be done in person.
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