It’s easy to crumple up your traffic summons and bin it. The problem is that the City keeps good records and the penalty will keep compounding. Plus, the cops can arrest you the next time they catch you. Here are some common sense things to keep in mind if you get caught breaking traffic laws.

1. Be nice and reasonable to the cop. Best thing to do short of not getting caught.
2. Take a deep breath and pay the fine. It will save you time and aggravation in the long run.
3. Go to traffic court with a well reasoned case, mention safety issues, inequity of law and hope that the cop does not show up. Nice, reasonable people have a chance of getting the fine reduced.
4. Hire a lawyer. It will cost you about $200 and will probably get your fine knocked down. Look in Yellow pages for special breed of traffic lawyers. Not the thing to do unless your fine is big.

Penalty Per Offense Within 6 Months

That’s right, per offense. If you get one ticket today and one in a month, you’ll face a total of $300 in fines.

Read more legal advice articles for cyclists.