I Paid My Speeding Ticket Now What?

So, I’m going to pay or I already paid my speeding ticket. Now what?

This is a big question you might be asking yourself if you recently received a speeding ticket in Columbus, Ohio. Rather than working with a Columbus speeding ticket defense lawyer to try and have it dismissed or reduced to a less serious charge, you don’t want to deal with the added headache so you’re going to just pay the ticket. Even if you are firm in your position, you should still call a Columbus traffic defense attorney to see what other consequences may result.  Paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty.

In Ohio, a speeding ticket is a citation that is issued to a driver when they are alleged to have been driving above the speed limit as posted using signs found along highways, roadways, and within residential areas as described in Section 4511.21 of the Ohio Revised Code. Real also: Can I ignore a camera speeding ticket

Disclaimer: The following is not intended as legal advice. It is general information meant to inform. Please reach out to our Columbus speeding ticket lawyer to schedule a consultation for further help.

If I Pay a Speeding Ticket, What Happens?

When you pay your speeding ticket online or at the Clerk of Courts, you are essentially doing the same thing as appearing in court to plead guilty to the charge or charges associated with the ticket. While paying a speeding ticket may be an appropriate option in certain circumstances, it will really depend on the court in which the ticket is filed, how excessive was your speed, and your previous driving record.

Depending on the circumstances, you may face additional consequences from a speeding ticket:

• Fines: If you receive a ticket, you can expect to pay fines of some type. The fine amount will vary depending on factors like the speed at which you were driving and the type of area in which you were speeding i.e. residential, business, highway.
• An increase in insurance rates: Your car insurance will likely go up if you receive a speeding ticket that results in a conviction. Insurances companies typically view speeding violations as a sign of increased risk, often prompting them to raise your insurance cost.
• Points on your driving record: A speeding ticket, like many other traffic violations, can result in points being added to your driving record. If you accumulate too many points on your record in a specific time period, you may face a license suspension. You may also need to completely retest at the end of the suspension period in order to get your license again.
• Job-related penalties: A speeding ticket can lead to job-related issues for employees involved in transportation and commerce. People with jobs like driving a truck (commercial motor vehicle), bus driver, Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, etc. must have a relatively clean driving record to remain employed. Most companies limit the amount of points and/or violations a driver may have.  These limits are often directly related to the amount a company is willing to pay to insure each employee while driving within the scope of employment.  Accumulating traffic convictions will, at some point, make it too expensive and too risky for the company to keep you on as an employee.

Although the above consequences are not an all-inclusive list, they do shed some light on some other penalties you may face after paying a speeding ticket.

If you have received a speeding ticket in Columbus, you would be wise to consult with a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer from Maher Law Firm.

What Steps Should I Take if I’m Issued a Speeding Ticket?

Some steps to take if you are issued a speeding ticket include:

1. Remain calm and listen to the officer’s instructions related to the ticket. This will typically include you signing a copy of the ticket to show you received a copy, an indication that you may appear or must appear (mandatory appearance), and a date and time to appear in court.
2. Once you arrive at your destination, read over the ticket carefully to make sure you don’t miss any important details.
3. Understand that paying the ticket is not your only option. You could appear in court on your own to contest the ticket, you can try to negotiate with the Prosecutor for an alternative resolution, or you can hire a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer like Colin Maher to attend court for you.  Most courts will allow attorneys to appear on your behalf without you being present (at least for traffic violations).

How Long Does It Take to Get a Speeding Ticket off Your Record in Ohio?

In general, when a speeding ticket conviction results in points being added to your driving record, the points will count against you for a rolling two-year period.  Insurance companies typically use a rolling three-year period.

In terms of how long it takes for a speeding conviction to fall off your record in Ohio, the answer is never.  Though certain individuals, companies, and agencies may be limited by how far they can look back, traffic convictions remain on your record indefinitely and cannot be sealed or expunged.

Connect with a Columbus Speeding Ticket Lawyer from The Maher Law Firm

If you have been issued a speeding ticket, connecting with a Columbus speeding ticket lawyer can be a huge benefit.  To find out if attorney Colin Maher can help you, call him at 614-205-2208 for a free phone consultation or use our online contact form.