Deferring speeding tickets are a great way to avoid hefty fines and any negative impacts on your insurance policy. A CDL speeding ticket can be especially expensive given the size of the truck and trailer and many drivers find deferment a a great way to handle the fine.
What is Deferment?
A deferment in regards to traffic tickets is a way to put off paying the speeding ticket. You generally want to do this if the ticket is an excessive amount or if you really cannot afford to have the ticket reflected on your insurance policy. The steps for deferring a ticket are fairly straightforward. Just request the forms, file them on time and pay the filing fee. The judge will then grant the deferral or deny it. Unfortunately, many states do not allow truckers to defer speeding tickets. The reason for this is because drivers with a CDL are often operating large vehicles that at higher speeds can pose a significant risk to others on the road. As such, they are held to a “higher standard”.
What Are My Other Options?
If you absolutely feel that the ticket was given unfairly and you cannot get a deferment you may want to consider fighting the ticket. First, make sure that it is even worth the fight. Consider the conditions of the traffic stop. Were you going at an unsafe speed given the traffic and weather conditions? If so then just deal with the ticket. If you were given the citation for going just above the speed limit and the conditions were clear, you might be able to get out of the ticket if you can show to the judge that the road was safe. You may also want to consider claiming that the radar gun gave an inaccurate reading because of interference.
Traffic Lawyers
Hiring a traffic lawyer to help you in your case is recommended for those that want to fight a ticket. The attorney will be able to assist with the gathering of evidence, as well as reports and police notes along with witness statements and photographs that can prove you were going at a safe speed. Going against a traffic ticket, especially for CDL holders, can be a little tricky since these drivers are held to higher standards than other drivers. It can be done of course but you will want to make sure that fighting is worth your time and effort. Drivers with a CDL may not be able to defer a ticket but they certainly can fight it if you make sure that you were not at fault and the trial process is worth your time.
