Fighting a Handheld Device Ticket: Do's and Don’ts

Imagine receiving a traffic ticket for using a handheld device while driving. Your first reaction might be to try and fight the ticket in court. However, the reality is that defending yourself against such an offense can be quite challenging. This article aims to provide insights and strategies on whether it is worth it to fight a handheld device ticket and what defense options you might consider.

Strategies for Fighting the Ticket

When you receive a ticket for using a handheld device while driving, the first thing you need to remember is the importance of not engaging in inappropriate behavior in the court. Playing with your device when the judge is speaking can have serious consequences. The judge might get angry and demand that you pay attention, yet you could still attempt an unconventional defense if you believe it might work.

For example, you could try explaining that you were paying attention but happened to be multitasking effectively. You might repeat everything the judge said while you were supposedly not paying attention and then conclude with a statement like, “As you can see, I can do two things at the same time and do them well. So, let’s just cut the crap here, okay.”

While this approach is unconventional and not recommended, it highlights the fact that you should be creative and open-minded in your defense. However, it is important to note that there are no guarantees it will work, and you should never use such tactics as a substitute for engaging in appropriate behavior while in court.

Best Practices

The best thing you can do is to heed the advice of traffic safety experts and simply stop using your handheld device while driving. This not only helps prevent accidents but also saves you from the hassle of court appearances. If you are caught and decide to go to court, one of the most effective strategies is to acknowledge the offense and take steps to avoid it in the future.

One option is to seek a defensive driving course. Many courts offer such courses, and successfully completing them might result in your original fine being reduced. This can be a viable way to address the issue without requiring you to fight the ticket in court.

Giving up and Moving On

In my case, I received a ticket for using a handheld device while driving, and there was little chance of fighting the ticket in court. The court manager told me that such offenses are rarely forgiven, and the fine was reduced only because it was my first offense. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it might be best to accept the fine and focus on avoiding similar incidents in the future.

The key takeaway is that avoiding such tickets entirely is the best course of action. By using a hands-free device or simply using your phone only when the vehicle is stationary, you can avoid both legal penalties and the increased risk of accidents on the road.

Conclusion

While fighting a handheld device ticket might seem like a tempting option, it is often not the most practical or safe approach. The best strategy is to abide by traffic laws and prevent such tickets from happening in the first place. Good luck if you decide to go to court, but remember that the court is more likely to expect responsible and attentive behavior from its participants.