If I received an out of state speeding ticket, can I reduce the amount of the fine or substitute the fine for something else such as a driver’s education course, defensive driving course or volunteer work?
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If I received an out of state speeding ticket, can I reduce the amount of the fine or substitute the fine for something else such as a driver’s education course, defensive driving course or volunteer work?
The speed limit was 55 mph but I was pulled over for going 82 mph. I received a $355 fine. I am 19 years old, and I have never received so much as a warning for speeding before. I was under the impression that the road I was on had a 70 mph speed limit and thought 82 was fine since there were no other cars in sight on the road. I am in a situation where $355 will heavily impact my budget for the month in terms of meeting my basic needs.
Asked on July 10, 2015 under General Practice, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The court may be willing to give you a payment plan for the fine; or they *may* (you can't count on it; it's purely voluntary on the part of the court) be willing to give you some substitute, non-monetary penalty. Call the clerk of the court, explain the situation, and see if there are any options and how to pursue them (e.g. by a letter to the judge).
For future reference: 1) not knowing the speed limit on a stretch of road is not a defense; 2) going *any* speed over limit is a violation--while the police tend to not pull over people going just 5 or 10 miles over on a highway, they could; and 3) the fact that there are no other cars around is not a defense to speeding, either.
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