Getting a Ticket Dismissed

[mkn2005]

Hello. I am 17 year old and I live in Houston, TX. I used my dad's car with his permission to drive to school and an officer pull me over and wrote me a ticket for supposedly going 33mph on a 20mph zone.

When he asked for proof of insurance, I looked for it but couldn't find it at that time but the car I was driving does have insurance under my dad's name. So he wrote me up for "failure to maintain financial responbility." When I came home, I find the insurance card and it is valid. Can I get this case dismissed, even though my name is not on the insurance card? And is there any other advice on what I should do? Thanks and I look forward to hearing a reponse.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I'm not sure of the practice in Texas.... Broadly speaking, there are two types of ticket for failure to present proof of insurance. The first type requires you to bring proof of insurance along with the ticket to the police station, and upon presentation of proof the ticket is dismissed. The second must be challenged in court (and may require you to go to court), but will typically be dismissed upon presentation of proof that the car was properly insured. So you're probably in good shape. You may wish to consult a local lawyer to have the exact charge reviewed, and to get confirmation of exact local practice.

[lwpat]

Your insurance card may be enough to get it dismissed but some courts require a notarized statement from the insurance company. Call the clerk of court and ask. While you are on the phone with her try to get approval for online traffic school for the speeding ticket.