The Top 5 Myths About Traffic Tickets in South Carolina

You may have seen movie scenes where speeding drivers cry in order to get out of a traffic ticket, but this is just one of many myths about getting pulled over. Here are a few others that you may or not may not have heard of and may have even tried yourself.

1. You Can Speed as Long as You’re Going With the Traffic Flow or You’re Passing Another Vehicle

This is most definitely not true. All drivers have been in situations where even the slowest lane is going over the speed limit, but that’s not going to make a difference if you are the one driver that gets pulled over. Passing another vehicle is another time when many drivers tend to speed up, but this is a situation that can still land you with a hefty traffic citation.

2. Clerical Errors Negate Fines

This is another false assumption. Just because the officer made a mistake on the date or forgot to get your signature does not mean you’re free. You’ll still be held accountable for your actions that warranted the ticket.

3. If the Officer Doesn’t Show Up for the Court Date, You’re Off the Hook

Perhaps one of the most persistent myths involves court appearance. The officer who issued the citation will often list a court date on the ticket for contesting. However, many states, including South Carolina, do not require police attendance at the hearing. So their absence does not mean you’re off the hook. You will still have to advocate to a judge at the initial hearing and the officer will be required to attend subsequent hearings should you then decide to appeal the court’s decision.

4. Getting Tickets in Other States Won’t Affect Your Record

Many drivers who receive tickets while driving in another state wonder if their citations will transfer home. While some states don’t necessarily share data, almost 90 percent of them do. The Driver’s License Compact and Non-Resident Violator Compact were formed to ensure violators would be held accountable no matter where they reside.

5. Crying Will Get You Out of A Ticket

You may have heard stories of this working for your friends, but crying probably had little to no effect on whether or not they were issued a citation. The best way to increase your chances of avoiding fines and penalties is with an experienced attorney dealing with traffic fines in South Carolina, not your tears.

While these common myths persist, no factual evidence exists to back them up. The best way to avoid a ticket is by obeying the law, and the next best option is by enlisting professional help to keep your record clean and your car on the road.