Which is better: paying the $95 for the ticket or paying $285 for court supervision?

Question

I'm a 17 year old who just got her first speeding ticket within 7 months of getting my license (I do think other factors were involved but those aren't too relevant for the situation at hand). I have been given the option to just pay $95 (was going 21 miles over the limit, supposedly) and get on with my life, but if I don't want this violation on my permanent record by asking for court supervision, I have to go to court with a parent (which means me missing school and my mom having to take a day off from work), paying $285 , taking a Driver Improvement Class (that'll be how long, I don't know) and paying for the fee for that class too, plus anything else the judge might want me to do. They say that if I just mail in my $95 to pay the ticket, this will go on my permanent record and then my insurance rates will be higher. But on the other hand, court supervision will easily cost me $300 on the spot.

Which one is the better decision, and please state why you would think so?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It really depends on what is more important to you: saving money or keeping the ticket off of your record.  What they told you is correct.  If you pay the ticket, it will go on your driving record.  It may or may not raise your insurance rates (it really depends on how closely your insurance company monitors new activity).    You may think you're saving yourself money by paying the $95 instead of the other fees, but you have to remember that you pay an increased insurance premium every month for years (which would probably cost you more in the long run).

You're getting a chance at a break to keep it off of your record.  Yes, it's a pain in the butt, but it is meant to be.  But think about it from a future perspective.  Your insurance rates are not going to go up.  If you happen to get another one, it will be viewed as a first offense.  You won't always necessarily be given the opportunity to keep it off your record.

My suggestion is bite the bullet and fork out the extra cash up front.  Even though it's a nuisance, it's well worth it (and you might remember this problem the next time you're driving with a lead foot)  :)  Good luck

Answer 2

i would do the 95 dollars... i had a speeding ticket and it was 263 dollars and my insurance went up three dollars a month.. big deal.. its gone down since..  

Answer 3

Be careful

You have a graduated license - until 21 - and that one conviction means you only get one more in two years.

Consider the traffic school option and supervision.