[Oildog]

In my travels I recently received a speeding ticket in Western OK. I was cited at 10 mph over the limit. Didnt realized the speed limit dropped 5 mph (road went from divided to not), but thats neither here or there. I was debating fighting the ticket as the limit change was not well marked, and the ticket is for about $180. However in the past Ive found court costs etc will cost about the same. Supposedly this offense wont count any points on my record.

So my question is, I have the option of pleading guilty or No contest and paying the fine. Whats the difference? Will either affect my record more?

[karibear]

I'd check with my insurance agent and the traffic court clerk. No matter what the ticket-giver said, I have never heard of any moving violation that didn't include points, and points add up on insurance rates.

[stiffnecked]

Go to court, ask to speak to the city prosecutor, tell him you have a clean driving record. Then ask for a deferred sentence. You still have to pay the fine and court costs but if you keep your driving record clean for 6 months then they dismiss the charge and it doesn't go on your record.

[HeatherDawn]

stiffnecked is right. the main reason for going to court is to keep it off your record

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by karibear

I'd check with my insurance agent and the traffic court clerk. No matter what the ticket-giver said, I have never heard of any moving violation that didn't include points, and points add up on insurance rates.

Actually many states do not "count" speeding under 10mph. OK does not report or assess points for speeding from 1 to 10 mph over. You can verify this at numerous places on the internet.

[HeatherDawn]

it's true

[karibear]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Actually many states do not "count" speeding under 10mph. OK does not report or assess points for speeding from 1 to 10 mph over. You can verify this at numerous places on the internet.

I've only ever gotten one ticket, and the trooper told me even though I was only going a few miles over the limit, he was going to write it for 10. Then I found out that 10 miles over would mean 2 points, so I went to court. If he'd written it up right, I'd have paid, no problem. But NOT when he jacked it up and it would have earned me 2 points! He didn't show up on the court date, so the judge threw it out and I got off completely. Wasn't OK, though.

[Oildog]

I decided to plead no contest since I will be out of state for the better part of February. I dont like to ask questions to insurance about things like this, I dont think I'll have points on my record though. Thanx to all.

[BigOkie]

Actually, EVERY ticket you get goes on your record. Some states use a point system, some don't.

The difference is what those requesting your motor vehicle record (MVR) can see. Trucking companies and municipalities can see most everything back three years for Oklahoma licensees. Insurance companies get what is called a 'limited record'. Any speeding ticket 9 over or below doesn't show up on the insurance.

But, this all depends on whether or not you have an out of state license and how they (Oklahoma) report back to the home state and how the home state files it. It also makes a difference how your home state limits MVRs to insurance companies (if they do at all).