I got my first driving ticket and i feel terrible!?

[francisco]

so yesterday i got a ticket for driving more than one passenger (4 to be exact) and i'm a minor (17). so i just told my mom about the ticket and i feel terrible. not only did i disappoint her but she's going to have to go through so much like missing work for court, paying more for insurance, working more hours to pay for my dumb decision. i just feel terrible and i feel like there's nothing i can do. also what if i lose my license? or have to go through traffic school? getting this ticket is terrible and there's nothing that i can do anymore

[veto]

That's not bad at all...you actually sound really responsible. I didn't even know that law existed,a nd I'm not a moron...It's not like you were drinking and driving...or endangering others. I don't even know why they have that law...but that's not the point since you still got the ticket...
I mean it's already done with so just learn. And that fact that you feel bad shows sincerity enough. I definitely don't think the impact on your drivers license will be anything severe. Good luck;)

[wynn]

Dude, it's just a ticket. We all get them at one time or another. Just be contrite and apologetic, and pay off your fines. And don't do it again.

[tate8]

You won't lose your license and you won't have to go to traffic school but the possibility of your insurance going up is very likely. You'll get a ticket, it will go on your record and your mom will lose confidence in your ability to make good decisions.

Lots of teens aren't driving these days. Why don't you keep your license but don't drive for a year until the ticket falls off your record and the insurance will be proud of you for going a whole year with no incident. (They don't know you suspended yourself from driving and with no tickets, you'll regain your good name and your insurance will go down when you are 18. If you volunteer for a driver's education class, it will help to lower your insurance rate also.

So these are two things you can do to sort of punish yourself and make restitution to your mom. You can gain your respect back but it will take time and effort. Don't worry too much. This isn't the worse thing a teen has done and you're a good person.

[benon]

SO what's your question, bimbo?

[alburt]

Violating a restriction of your driving privilege can be a pretty big deal. Not horrible, hell ... you didn't kill anyone! But there will be consequences.

Admitting you did wrong to your mother shows maturity and class, good for you! It takes a very big person to admit they did wrong. Now is the time to be very mature, and take full responsibility for your offense in court! Were there any factors that might work in your favor? The court might take into consideration factors like you were helping out stranded friends facing a very long walk (please, more than a couple of miles). Other things that might work in your favor (this one is kind of chauvinistic, but what the heck ... might work) you were afraid for your friend's safety. This one works particularly well if the 4 passengers in the car are all female, young, and facing a long walk or in a position where they will be walking "in a bad part of town" or in an extremely remote area where they would be unlikely to find help in an emergency. Do not attempt to "play" the judge, use an excuse that is valid given the circumstances. Most judges can smell a "snow job" a mile away.

Worst case ... you have no real excuse! Go to court and admit it! "Lecture" yourself about responsibility and proper adherence to the law. Take away any possible lecture the judge might be intending to give! In most cases there is a form you must fill out responding to the charge before court. Use this document wisely! It can help you!

I'm not perfect ... I got charged with a much more serious crime (loaded weapon in vehicle in the state of NY) very serious charge (I was young and STUPID!). I used the form that was sent to me to respond to the charges (basically giving the court a preview of my intended defense) to "lecture myself" to the court. Heck, it worked! I "stole the judge's thunder" by being as hard on myself as possible! Got me a reduction in charge, enough to allow me to keep the right to bear arms!

My response to the charge began with ... "Your honor ... I behaved like a fool on the day of the event I will be appearing on court for, I have no proper defense, because there is no excuse for my actions of that day. I violated the law, and knew I was doing so when I did it. There is no excuse for my actions of that day, what I did is simply inexcusable! I look back on that one period of my life as the worst decision I have ever made, I disappointed myself, my parents, and this court!"

Basically ... I beat the crap out of myself! Maybe it could work again!