In order to be a safe and responsible driver, you should obey the rules of the road at all times. However, most people break traffic laws at some point; speeding and coming to rolling stops at stop signs are common infractions. Unfortunately, if you're caught, you may receive a traffic ticket. Here are four things you need to do if you get a traffic ticket.

1. Be polite to the ticketing officer.

You may be frustrated upon receiving a ticket, especially if you feel the ticket was unwarranted. However, no good will come from arguing with the police officer. Accept the ticket politely. If necessary, you can appeal the ticket at a later date. Try to remember that the officer writing you the ticket is only trying to do their job for the good of the community.

2. Contest the ticket if necessary.

You should never ignore traffic tickets, since fines and additional penalties can accrue. That doesn't mean you need to accept tickets that you believe are unfair, though. If you believe you were issued a ticket erroneously, you can contest it in traffic court. Unless you have a background in traffic law, it's a good idea to hire legal representation. Find a law firm that provides traffic law assistance. A representative can help to make your case in court, and if the judge agrees with their assertions, your traffic ticket could be reduced or eliminated altogether.

3. Show up for court.

Even if you're not contesting your ticket, you should always show up to traffic court when required. Ignoring a court date can lead to a lot of trouble, including increased fines and even jail time. Make sure to put your court date on your calendar and set any reminders necessary. Ask your boss for time off on the appointed day, since needing to work is not an excuse for missing a court date.

4. Keep a record of your payment.

Finally, don't forget to pay your traffic ticket. It's a good idea to keep a record of your payment just in case. You can print out your bank statement or keep the receipt that the state issues. This will help you to prove that you paid the ticket at a later date, in case the police department or traffic court loses their record of your payment. Make sure to hold onto your receipt for at least a year.

For more information, reach out to a lawyer for traffic law assistance.