How To Evaluate If You Should Fight A Traffic Ticket

May 4, 2016

 

The initial aggravation of being pulled over and issued a ticket can be pretty intense. Whether you are frustrated with yourself, or frustrated with the police officer who gave you your ticket, emotions can rise pretty high. As a little time passes, you may find yourself staring at the traffic ticket that seemed so unjust initially, and wondering, should you fight a traffic ticket ?

 

This is a difficult question to answer, but lets begin with your motivation. If you are just fighting the ticket because you’re angry, it’s probably not worth fighting, eventually the emotions you feel about this particular traffic violation will abate.

If you are fighting the ticket because it is expensive and you don’t want to pay the fine, take a moment to consider what your time is worth. What do you make hourly at your job? How many hours will you spend researching the ticket, preparing for court, and add to this time at least half of a work day that you will miss on the day of your trial. If you aren’t prepared to invest significant time fighting the ticket, you aren’t likely to win. If you do invest significant time, you may find that you are losing more money fighting the ticket than you would be simply paying the ticket and moving on. Plus there is the real risk that you will lose the fight and the court costs added to your fine will make the ticket even more expensive.

If you are fighting the ticket because you genuinely believe it is incorrect, or because the points against your license will cause problems for you, or because you have had enough tickets that another ticket will pose a significant increase in your insurance premiums, then it is likely worth it to fight the ticket in court.

If you are planning to fight the ticket in court, remember that you must have actual evidence that the information on the ticket is incorrect, or that you did not actually break the specific law in question when the law is fully laid out, or that some error was made in the evidence gathering process, like the radar equipment had not being thoroughly calibrated or maintained according to protocols.

 

If you need any assistance maintaining your (possibly speedy) vehicle, please contact us . We are proud to service vehicle in Northern Delaware.

 

Technician inspecting and repairing suspension components on a vehicle lifted in an auto repair shop
By Dylan Corcoran February 26, 2026
Car squeaking when you turn? Learn the most common causes, from suspension wear to power steering issues, and when it’s time for a professional inspection.
Technician at Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers inspecting a vehicle’s suspension and brake components.
By Dylan Corcoran February 19, 2026
Car shaking when you accelerate? Learn the most common causes, from spark plugs to tire and drivetrain issues.
Mechanic testing a car battery with a digital multimeter under the hood .
By Dylan Corcoran February 12, 2026
Car won’t start in the cold? Learn the most common winter causes like dead batteries, fuel issues, and starter problems, plus what to do next in Delaware and PA.
4 Clear Signs Your CV Axle Is Failing | Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers
January 30, 2026
Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers in Delaware and Pennsylvania explain four clear signs your CV axle is failing and why early repair prevents breakdowns.
When to Repair vs. Replace Your Damaged Muffler | Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers
December 19, 2025
Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers in Delaware and Pennsylvania explain when a damaged muffler can be repaired and when replacement is the safer long-term choice.
How to Check Your Car's Fluids? Transmission Fluid, Engine Oil, and More | Paul Campanella’s Auto Ce
November 28, 2025
A quick, owner-friendly guide to checking engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and more - plus tips on when to seek service.
How Does Bad Fuel Impact Engine Performance in Modern Cars? | Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers
October 31, 2025
Discover why poor-quality fuel can disrupt modern engines, common symptoms, and steps to protect your car.
What Happens to Your Engine When You Delay an Oil Change | Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers
September 26, 2025
Delaying oil changes lets sludge build, causes higher engine temps, and accelerates wear. Learn why timely changes matter and the risks involved.
Man with arms crossed, smiling in a car repair shop with a car in the background.
July 15, 2025
Discover why drivers trust Paul Campanella’s Auto Centers for honest, skilled care across multiple locations with fast, transparent service.
Futuristic car in a high-tech garage, with holographic displays and tools.
July 15, 2025
Discover how AI-powered diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and robotics are reshaping auto service - from fleet efficiency to daily repairs.