# Can I Fight a Traffic Ticket for Distracted Driving? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [January 18, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-fight-a-traffic-ticket-for-distracted-driving/198744 "2025-01-18T20:21:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 14
**Author:** ![LoudThunder](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/loudthunder/32/27769_2.png) [@LoudThunder](https://community.cartalk.com/u/LoudThunder)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2025, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-fight-a-traffic-ticket-for-distracted-driving/198744/14 "2025-01-19T16:02:52Z")
> [@davesmopar](#): > > it can also depend on the mood of the judge, if some idiot ticked the judge off before you, or if the judge wants to make an example out of you or someone that day… Just in case the judge has not has a good day or some “clown” acted up previous and ruined the judge’s good deposition, remember to always treat the judge with respect. If asked a question, always answer with “Yes/No, Your Honor, (and the explanation if it is not a Yes/No question.)” Watch Judge Judy… Do not answer with a “Yeah” or just a simple “No or Nah” IF yu have a relatively good driving record, get a copy from the DMV and bring it with you and any other paperwork that might show a good driving record (Insurance policy that shows a “Good Driver Discount” and do not expect to get all this paperwork at the last minute. Remember the judge is not your buddy, and they probably will not appreciate any humor or jokes. Dress respectfully for the court. Not that wearing a suit gets you any points but dressing like you are going to a Sports Bar with your Buds to cheer your favorite team shows a high level of disrespect. From this old posting of mine about having to go to court myself, learn from the guy who followed me… > [@Dumb vehicle-related mistakes?](https://community.cartalk.com/t/dumb-vehicle-related-mistakes/193324/21): > > OK, this story is all my own, back when I was a teenager with my first car, I received several tickets for driving on “bald” tires. I did not have the money to buy new tires and back then, there were no businesses that sold or rented used tires. In retrospect, I do not know why I did not try to scrounge up old tires from a gas station or hit up a junk yard for tires… I knew I had to get some tires before going to court to pay the fines because the county judge had a reputation of asking if the… Here in Virginia, Distracted Driving is a “Primary Offense” and that means the police do not need any other reason to stop you… It is the most serious crime or traffic violation that someone is accused of committing. Primary offenses can result in a police arrest, a fine, or a traffic stop. In this category are other driving offenses such as Speeding, running a red light, tailgating, driving under the influence, reckless driving, and illegal U-turns; all of which cause the most accidents resulting in serious injuries and death. So, the decision is yours, if your driving record is nothing to be proud of then hiring a lawyer to represent in court you might be your best choice (it is the most costly). Maybe you just need some reassuring legal advice and that is less costly. But seeking no legal advice could turn out the most costly in fines and elevated insurance cost… --- _[View the full topic](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-fight-a-traffic-ticket-for-distracted-driving/198744)._