Got a traffic ticket without being pulled over? Received a traffic ticket in the mail? Yes. In Washington, it is possible to get a traffic ticket without being pulled over.
If you want to contest a traffic ticket you can request a contested hearing. A judge will hear your case. A judge will hear the prosecutor’s case against you. The judge will then decide whether you committed the traffic infraction or not.
It is possible to beat a traffic ticket in WA. There are a number of reason why a traffic ticket can get dismissed. The reasons vary on a case by case basis. Getting a “no insurance” ticket dismissed may require a different process than getting an “expired registration” ticket dismissed. While getting a ticket dismissed is great, avoiding getting a speeding ticket in the first place will ensure your insurance rates do not skyrocket.
If you get a speeding ticket, an HOV ticket, a work zone or construction zone ticket, no insurance ticket, speed too fast for conditions, cell phone ticket, school bus camera ticket, fail to obey traffic signal or traffic control device, or other infraction, you should contact an attorney to try to get that ticket off your record.
A traffic ticket is not a criminal offense.
You can get on a payment plan for a traffic ticket. In most cases you can pay that traffic ticket online.
Traffic Infractions from Traffic Cameras
This happens most frequently where traffic cameras are involved. Officers that review traffic cameras will issue infractions by mail if they believe that the registered owner of the vehicle has violated a traffic law.
Most frequently, the traffic tickets issued by mail are speeding tickets (RCW 46.61.400) and fail to stop for traffic signal tickets (RCW 46.61.050). Additionally, officers review cameras on the side of school buses. People are cited for unlawfully passing a school bus (RCW 46.61.375).
The Traffic Ticket is Sent to the Registered Owner of the Vehicle
Tickets that are issued in the mail are sent out to the registered owner – even if there is more than one registered owner. So, if someone borrowed your car, you may get the ticket in the mail.
Where a traffic camera is concerned, if you were not driving the vehicle at the time, you can submit a document indicating that you were not driving the vehicle (Seattle Municipal Declaration of Non-Responsibility). This is a document, signed under penalty of perjury, usually called a declaration non-driving or a declaration of non-responsibility. I have seen this relatively frequently – especially where kids drive their parents’ cars!
Controversially, some courts require the person filling out the declaration to indicate who was driving the car. This may create some problems constitutionally. There are a number of other defenses that may be available when you have received a ticket without being pulled over. Traffic camera tickets are winnable if you know what you are doing. Understanding exactly what to do can take years of practice, but it is possible to win these tickets as long as you understand the court, the judge, and the legal issues.
Washington Traffic Ticket Attorney
A ticket may have consequences that you may be unaware of. It is always advisable to talk to an attorney before making a decision about your case. You can beat your ticket!
Can I Get a Traffic Ticket in the Mail?
Yes. You can receive a traffic ticket by mail.
Can I Get a Traffic Ticket in the Mail?
Yes. You can receive a traffic ticket for a photo or video taken by a school bus camera or red light camera. An officer reviews the photo or video and sends a ticket to the registered owner or owners of the vehicle.