Writing a Good Speeding Ticket Appeal Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample speeding ticket appeal letter as a template for your formal appeal letter.
Last updated on November 23, 2023
Speeding tickets can be very expensive. Along with the fine, the driver’s insurance rate may also increase, causing higher premiums for a few years at best. If the driver had not had any previous speeding tickets or not had one for three years, there is a good chance he or she can appeal the ticket.
The first step is to write a speeding ticket appeal letter. Even if the driver was speeding, there is still a chance he or she can have the ticket retracted or the fine reduced.
Ticket Retracted
The driver should be aware of his or her chances of getting the ticket retracted or the fine reduced. In most states, if the driver is five or 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, they may only get a warning from the police officer, or, if they are given a ticket, there is a better chance they can get it retracted or reduced.
However, if they are driving 75 mph in a 50 mph zone, there is a good chance they will be charged the maximum amount with no chance of retraction. The exception may be if the driver is taking a person to an emergency room at a hospital, or going to some other emergency.
The first step is to write a speeding ticket appeal letter. Even if the driver was speeding, there is still a chance he or she can have the ticket retracted or the fine reduced.
Ticket Retracted
The driver should be aware of his or her chances of getting the ticket retracted or the fine reduced. In most states, if the driver is five or 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, they may only get a warning from the police officer, or, if they are given a ticket, there is a better chance they can get it retracted or reduced.
However, if they are driving 75 mph in a 50 mph zone, there is a good chance they will be charged the maximum amount with no chance of retraction. The exception may be if the driver is taking a person to an emergency room at a hospital, or going to some other emergency.
Large Fines
Speeding tickets not only have large fines, they may also raise the insurance rate the driver pays. In some cases, it may raise the premium by 93 percent according to Bankrate. The insurance company needs to pay to check a customer’s driving record.
This is why it often doesn’t check. However, it usually will check when a policy comes up for renewal. Potential customer’s driving records are also checked when they first become a customer.
Speeding tickets not only have large fines, they may also raise the insurance rate the driver pays. In some cases, it may raise the premium by 93 percent according to Bankrate. The insurance company needs to pay to check a customer’s driving record.
This is why it often doesn’t check. However, it usually will check when a policy comes up for renewal. Potential customer’s driving records are also checked when they first become a customer.
Insurance Rates
In most cases, the company may check every 18 months to two years. Almost half of drivers under 25 years of age report having their insurance rates raised after getting a speeding ticket.
Only 15 percent of drivers who are 50 years of age or older have their driving records regularly checked by their insurance companies. Even companies that raise rates usually only do it for a specified period of time such as three years.
Since requesting an appeal on a speeding ticket is asking for a favor, the driver must remember to be humble, and appreciate that the officer was doing his or her job properly.
The driver can call the District Attorney’s Office or police station to get the information on how to address the letter. It should have a humble tone even if the driver is angry and feels the ticket was unfair.
Any evidence that may help the driver’s case should be mentioned in the letter and, if possible, proof can be included. For example, if the speed limit sign is covered by plants or other signs, a photo can be taken and given to the police to prove it wasn’t possible for the driver to see the correct speed limit. If there is any chance that a radar gun or traffic camera was in error, it can be mentioned also.
Leniency Programs
Some states have leniency programs for first offenders and infrequent offenders. If the driver qualifies for one of these programs, he or she has a good chance of getting the ticket voided.
Sometimes, it requires a waiting period of six months, during which no speeding tickets must be received by the driver. If this is the case, the ticket will be erased.
It is also possible to employ a lawyer who offers services for traffic violations. If the ticket will be very expensive and cause the driver’s insurance premiums to increase, it might be wise to hire a lawyer. However, in most cases, writing a speeding ticket appeal letter does not require the services of a lawyer.
Below is a sample speeding ticket appeal letter. It is written in formal business letter style and should be sent by certified mail with a request for proof of delivery. The letter should be brief while giving all of the important information.
In most cases, the company may check every 18 months to two years. Almost half of drivers under 25 years of age report having their insurance rates raised after getting a speeding ticket.
Only 15 percent of drivers who are 50 years of age or older have their driving records regularly checked by their insurance companies. Even companies that raise rates usually only do it for a specified period of time such as three years.
Since requesting an appeal on a speeding ticket is asking for a favor, the driver must remember to be humble, and appreciate that the officer was doing his or her job properly.
The driver can call the District Attorney’s Office or police station to get the information on how to address the letter. It should have a humble tone even if the driver is angry and feels the ticket was unfair.
Any evidence that may help the driver’s case should be mentioned in the letter and, if possible, proof can be included. For example, if the speed limit sign is covered by plants or other signs, a photo can be taken and given to the police to prove it wasn’t possible for the driver to see the correct speed limit. If there is any chance that a radar gun or traffic camera was in error, it can be mentioned also.
Leniency Programs
Some states have leniency programs for first offenders and infrequent offenders. If the driver qualifies for one of these programs, he or she has a good chance of getting the ticket voided.
Sometimes, it requires a waiting period of six months, during which no speeding tickets must be received by the driver. If this is the case, the ticket will be erased.
It is also possible to employ a lawyer who offers services for traffic violations. If the ticket will be very expensive and cause the driver’s insurance premiums to increase, it might be wise to hire a lawyer. However, in most cases, writing a speeding ticket appeal letter does not require the services of a lawyer.
Below is a sample speeding ticket appeal letter. It is written in formal business letter style and should be sent by certified mail with a request for proof of delivery. The letter should be brief while giving all of the important information.
Speeding Ticket Appeal Letter Sample
Name of Driver
Address of Driver
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Judge or Police Officer
Address of Court or Police Station
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Retraction of speeding ticket number NUMBER
Dear Name of Judge:
This letter is a formal request to appeal a speeding ticket I received on DATE. My name and address are above and the ticket number is NUMBER. The license plate of my car is NUMBER.
I received the ticket on Name of Street for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone. I agree I was driving over the speed limit and that the officer was right to give me the ticket.
I have driven that street for 15 years and was not aware the speed limit had been lowered. The new speed limit sign is not easy to see as it is partially covered by the sign of a local restaurant. I have enclosed a photograph of the sign.
This is my first speeding ticket as I am a very careful driver. I am sorry for having driven too fast and would never have done so if I had seen the new speed limit sign. I humbly request that the ticket be retracted because it will cause my insurance premium to be raised, which I cannot afford.
My younger brother and I are orphans, and I am raising him on my salary alone. I am willing to enroll in a defensive driving course if this will help with my request.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request to have the speeding ticket retracted. I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address.
Sincerely,
Signature of Driver
Printed Name of Driver
List of Enclosures: photos of the speed limit sign
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What should I include in a letter to get out of a speeding fine?
Answer: In your letter to get out of a speeding fine, it is important to include certain key elements. Begin by addressing the letter to the relevant authority or department responsible for issuing the fine. Clearly state the purpose of the letter in the opening paragraph, indicating that you are seeking to contest the speeding fine you received.
Next, provide specific details about the incident, such as the date, time, and location of the alleged offense. Describe any relevant circumstances that may have contributed to the situation, such as poor weather conditions, obscured road signs, or mechanical issues with your vehicle. It is crucial to remain truthful and provide accurate information.
Furthermore, you can mention any clean driving record you may have prior to the incident, highlighting that it was an isolated occurrence. If you have completed any defensive driving courses or have a history of adhering to traffic laws, be sure to mention that as well.
Additionally, consider including any evidence that supports your case. This could be photographs, witness statements, or any other relevant documentation that could demonstrate your innocence or cast doubt on the accuracy of the speed measurement.
In conclusion, express your regret for the alleged offense and reiterate your commitment to safe driving practices. Politely request a review of the fine and provide your contact information for further correspondence. Remember to proofread your letter for clarity and accuracy before sending it.
Q: Can I use a template letter to get out of a speeding fine?
Answer: Yes, you can use a template letter to get out of a speeding fine as a starting point, but it is essential to personalize it and tailor it to your specific situation. Templates can provide a structure and help ensure that you include all the necessary information, but a generic letter may not effectively address the unique aspects of your case.
Start by searching for reputable sources that offer template letters specifically designed for contesting speeding fines. These templates often contain the basic elements required for such letters. Once you find a suitable template, carefully review it and modify the content to accurately reflect your circumstances.
Personalization is crucial to make your letter stand out and demonstrate your genuine effort in addressing the situation. Add specific details about the incident, any relevant mitigating factors, and any evidence you may have gathered to support your case. By customizing the template, you can present a stronger argument for contesting the speeding fine.
Q: Should I admit guilt in my letter to get out of a speeding fine?
Answer: It is generally not advisable to admit guilt outright in your letter to get out of a speeding fine. The purpose of the letter is to contest the fine and present your case, so it is important to carefully choose your words. Instead of admitting guilt, focus on providing an objective account of the incident and any circumstances that may have contributed to it.
While it's important to be truthful, you can explain the situation without admitting fault. Describe the events as accurately as possible, including any factors that may have affected your ability to comply with the speed limit. By presenting a clear and detailed account, you allow the relevant authorities to consider the circumstances and evidence impartially.
Remember that the burden of proof lies with the authority issuing the fine. Your aim is to cast doubt on their case or present evidence that supports your innocence. Admitting guilt upfront may weaken your position and reduce your chances of successfully contesting the fine.
Q: Can mentioning a clean driving record help in my letter to get out of a speeding fine?
Answer: Yes, mentioning a clean driving record can potentially help in your letter to get out of a speeding fine. A clean driving record demonstrates that the alleged offense is an isolated incident rather than a pattern of behavior. It can present you as a responsible driver who typically abides by traffic laws and may be more likely to adhere to the speed limit in the future.
When mentioning your clean driving record, provide specific information about the duration of your record without any violations. You can mention the number of years or any milestones, such as having a spotless driving record for a significant period. Emphasize your commitment to safe driving practices and mention any defensive driving courses you have completed or other relevant certifications.
While a clean driving record can be a positive factor, it does not guarantee that the speeding fine will be dismissed. The decision ultimately rests with the reviewing authority, who will consider all the evidence and circumstances surrounding the incident.