HELP ASAP! I got ticket for wearing my seatbelt under my arm...is there any way to fight it?

So last month, I got pulled over for wearing my seat belt under my arm. I understand completely NOW that this is illegal. Please dont explain to me how I should have known, etc. I have a mitigation hearing in one hour. I really wouldnt be so concerned about a $125 ticket, if that was the end of it I would pay it and go on with my life. However, I have a deferred speeding ticket for $280 that will appear back on my record and that I will have to pay for if I am convicted of the seatbelt violation. Now Im not trying to claim ignorance, although it may sound just like that. But honestly, I had no idea that you can get cited for wearing your seatbelt under your arm. I am short, 5'2, so since the day I got my license, I have worn my seatbelt under my arm because it digs into my neck. Since the day I got pulled over, I havent once worn my seatbelt under my arm. I have no problem following the law, but dont you think it should be made known exactly what is legal and what is not?

fairly smart

Car companies go to great lengths to get people to wear seat belts properly. I don't think you can fight this...
Besides, even if you never wore it like that, & you haven't since, he saw you wearing it like that. You can't fight that! That is what the ticket is for, then, right then.

Michael C

There is long standing legal principle that ignorance of the law is no excuse.

As far as "it should be made known exactly what is legal and what is not" - that's why we have codified laws that must be put down in writing.

cblack6540

I have never heard of such a law. I just had open heart surgery and i have to wear my seat belt under my arm or not wear it at all. You can also buy a bracket that converts your seat belt into a lap belt only. If it was snapped you were legally belted !!

makrothumeo2

Ignorance of the law is not a defense, and you ought to pay your speeding tickets...hope they whack you good.

Magneto

Why does this country keep producing persons like you,the seatbelts were not created for police officers to harass drivers,they were installed on vehicles because the public demanded them from the car makers to save lives not for looks or confort,I doubt your neck is any different than the millions of other drivers necks

Spoken Majority

no. the law read you have to wear it properly. you weren't. pay the ticket and learn your lesson.

art v

The vehicle code not only says you must wear your seatbelt, but that you must properly wear it. Your vehicle comes with instructions on how to properly wear it and it is your responsibility to know it.

Robert W

Not knowing the law is not a very good defense - your owner's manual that came with the car no doubt shows the proper way to wear your seatbelt. STILL, it can't hurt to try..

MacDaddy

you know, id just tell them the situation and hope for the best.. say "in my drivers training i was not told that wearing your seatbelt under your arm. I was indeed informed that i must wear a seatbelt but not told how. (only if this is true) and tell them that this was an uninformed mistake because your seatbelt diggs into you neck while u drive, making it not only a distraction but and uncomfort. Although, not being informed of the law I shall wear my seatbelt in the proper mannor but i plead that i be let off with a warning because i was not informed this was against the law." thats what id say, but im no lawyer, ask ur dad, he could give a better answer probably.. well, thats all i can give sorry, good luck!

White lighting

Pay up, and next time put it on properly.

D R

If the cop that pulls you over doesnt show you are fine. You can lie and say it was on and it is your word against his. Or you can just be honest and say what you just said and hopefully they let you go.

Good Luck

gilliegrrrl

What a judge would tell you is that "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." If you're driving, it's your responsibility to know and understand the laws and to adhere to them. Wearing your seatbelt differently than it's intended to be is dangerous as well as illegal. For your safety, you should wear it properly.

If it digs into your neck, you should be able to adjust it. The part where it actually attaches to your car is adjustable on most vehicles, you should be able to slide it up or down.

It sounds like you're going to have to pay for both tickets...

Wounded Duck

Are you really trying to tell us you did not know the proper way to wear a seatbelt or how much damage it would do worn the way you state? Give me a break.

wwe52256

go see a lawer.

polly-pocket

I'm short, too and put plush seat belt covers to make it more comfortable.I don't think that they'll buy any stories, since you had a prior speeding violation.Maybe just give them the puppy-dog eyes and look as if you're about to cry when you're standing in front of the judge.

Bill

It is known exactly what is legal. The laws are available to all. Say you accept full responsibility, but that you request leniency because this is not a speeding violation.

Mike

I would definitely hire an attorney.

The cost of the attorney will be less than the increase in your insurance rates if you lose.

Over the years I have challenged a few traffic tickets. Every time I hired an attorney that specializes in traffic ticket defense I have won.

Every time I have challenged a ticket without an attorney, I have lost.

Hire the attorney.

In spite of what these other responders say, I would bet that a good attorney will win your case for you and keep that deferred speeding ticket deferred.

I wish you much success!!!

halfshaft

I can't believe the damn cops don't have anything better to do than pull people over for not wearing their seat belt properly.
Pretty damn sad.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: