If you cannot contest your traffic ticket, deferral might be the best option for you. There are many reasons why contesting your ticket is not feasible, like if the violation is a repeat offense. Plus, if you are the only driver involved in the incident, there is no one else to blame.

In cases such as these, you may have more success in requesting a speeding ticket deferral or deferred ticket instead of contesting the violation. A deferral is not the same as contesting a ticket. Continue reading below to learn more about deferrals and how you can request one today.

When you defer a traffic ticket, you are admitting to committing the violation. This is different from contesting a ticket, in which you are arguing that you are not guilty of the infraction.

Ticket deferral helps you avoid points from being placed on your driving record, which could increase the cost of your car insurance premiums and possibly result in a suspension.

Since ticket deferrals require you to essentially admit your guilt, it is important to consider the pros and cons. Agreeing to the ticket and paying the fine assessed to you shows the court that you accept responsibility for the violation.

Part of requesting a deferral involves a mitigation hearing. By participating in this hearing, you are admitting to the incident but claiming there were forces beyond your control that caused you to commit the violation.

One advantage of requesting a deferral is showing the court that you are ready and willing to take responsibility for your actions. It is a great option if the incident is your first violation.

Some violations do not qualify for ticket deferral due to the serious nature of the incident.

You should also be aware of some of the disadvantages of ticket deferrals. The cost of going to court can be extremely high, and you are responsible for most of the administration fees as well. These fees are assessed to you even if you win the deferral case. If you are granted the deferral and receive subsequent traffic violations during the grace period – which is typically one year – you will be charged any previously rescinded fines. Also, any points that were not placed on your record will be reassessed.