My Teenager Got His First Traffic Ticket: What Should I Do?
When our children near the age of 16, one of the most dreaded events we face as parents is taking them to the DMV for their driver’s license test. The event is not actually the big problem, as is giving the keys to your car once they have their driver’s license in hand.
We all know the big, and probably most common, possibility of a teenager behind the wheel: coming home with a traffic ticket – which could cost YOU hundreds of dollars in fines and insurance premium rate hikes. What are your options when the dreaded event finally arrives and your teen driver comes home with his or her first traffic ticket?
The 3 Options After Getting Your First Traffic Ticket
The best way to get out of a New Jersey traffic ticket is to teach your teenager how to avoid the violation in the first place. However, it is important to know that all motorists, including teenagers, have three options when they get that first traffic ticket. Each of these options is described below:
1. Pay the ticket (and face the consequences!)
After getting a traffic ticket, your worst option is to pay the ticket. This option guarantees points on your, or your teenager’s, driving record. Your teenager’s insurance premium will increase for at least the next three years as a result.
2. Pay the ticket and go to traffic school
This is slightly a better option than simply paying the ticket and facing the consequences because in most cases, the time spent in traffic school will successfully avoid points accumulating on your teenager’s driving record. However, although this may be a good opportunity to teach your teen driver about the consequences of getting a traffic ticket, it can also mean your time commitment of taking your kid to traffic school and paying the additional fee (plus paying the fine for the ticket!).
3. Fight the charges and avoid the all of the consequences
Your only option in avoiding paying the fines and the increased premium rate hikes is to fight your ticket. Although you can choose to fight the ticket on your own, it is in your (and your teenager’s) best interest to hire an experienced and knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney in New Jersey to help you with your fight. With the help of an attorney, you can be confident that you will have the best chance to successfully fight the ticket and avoid the nasty consequences.
Call Us
If you or someone you know has received any type of moving violation ticket, be certain to consult with a traffic ticket attorney who specifically handles these types of cases. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey traffic violation attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404. One call can make a big difference.