Beat a Traffic Ticket by Overpaying?

How to Beat
a Traffic Ticket

Created 7/31/2000 (12/23/2002) This chain has been speeding around the net for so long, somebody should give it a ticket. Its somewhat plausible claims and impressive-sounding source credentials are interesting, but the message's origin belies its validity.

SAMPLE CHAIN LETTER TEXT Subject: Fw: If You Get A Traffic Ticket Just thought I would share this with you, as you know I work in the ticket enforcement division and in the course of my investigation into "fines, their payment methods, and how points are assessed against drivers licenses" we discovered something very interesting. If You Get A Traffic Ticket, This has been tried and it works..... I tried to send this to everyone I know. I know that for a fact this works so if you ever get in this situation, you have an out. We discovered that this procedure works in every state. Read it and try it, you have nothing to lose but the points on your license. This is how it works: If you get a speeding ticket or went through a red light or whatever the case may be, and you are going to get points on your license, then there is a method to ensure that you DO NOT get any points. When you get your fine, send in the check to pay for it and if the fine is say, $79, then make the check out for $82 or some small amount over the fine. The system will then have to send you back a check for the difference, but here is the trick! ***DO NOT CASH THE REFUND CHECK!!!*** Throw it away!! Points are not assessed to your license until all financial transactions are complete. If you do not cash the check, then the transactions are NOT complete. However, the system has gotten its money and is happy and will not bother you any more. This information came to our attention from an very reliable computer company that sets up the standard database used by each states' DMV. Good luck and share this with all your friends and other family members, as well!!! Richard Ticket Enforcement Division

END CHAIN LETTER TEXT

A popular point of folklore is the notion that government is riddled with little-known and silly loopholes that will allow those savvy enough to avoid the indignity less-knowledgeable others are subjected to. The easily accepted notion of government agencies as clumsy, poorly run offices fuels our belief that such a scheme could be possible.

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But, put away your checkbook. My research turned up no evidence that this scheme works anywhere. Though each locality has different procedures and regulations, overpaying your traffic fines will likely only serve as voluntary taxation. It will not delay points assessment and, in most cases, will not even be refunded. Overpayments are commonly rolled over into general funds.

The chain letter above originated in Australia in 1998. It was then attributed to the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria. Since then, it has migrated to the rest of the world, taking a first-person format. Our good friend Richard in the mythical "Ticket Enforcement Division" offers assurances and a lot more "proof" that this system-beater is true, but doesn't provide an ounce of truth.

Want a novel, sure-fire way to get out of points on your record? Try not speeding in the first place!! Break the chain!

Category: General Junk
References: Snopes.com