If I am pulled over for speeding in a school zone, can I defer the ticket? Answer: Yes.
People often have the belief that if they are pulled over in a school zone for speeding or any other infraction, they can’t defer the infraction. That is not the case. Generally, you can only defer a ticket once every seven years. Specifically, you are only barred from deferring an infraction if (1) you have a CDL, or (2) if your infraction is for Negligent Driving in the Second Degree and you have a “vulnerable victim” in the car (like a very young child). Otherwise there are no restrictions. So a school zone ticket is not a bar to deferring a ticket. Here is the relevant statute:
RCW 46.63.070
(5)(a) Except as provided in (b), (c), and (d) of this subsection…. the court may defer findings … for up to one year and impose conditions upon the defendant the court deems appropriate. Upon deferring findings, the court may assess costs as the court deems appropriate for administrative processing. If at the end of the deferral period the defendant has met all conditions and has not been determined to have committed another traffic infraction, the court may dismiss the infraction.
(b) A person may not receive more than one deferral within a seven-year period for traffic infractions for moving violations and more than one deferral within a seven-year period for traffic infractions for nonmoving violations.
(c) A person who is the holder of a commercial driver’s license or who was operating a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the violation may not receive a deferral under this section.
(d) A person who commits negligent driving in the second degree with a vulnerable user victim may not receive a deferral for this infraction under this section.
We Handle Infractions
At Witt Law Group PS, we handle infractions as well as criminal defense and personal injury cases. We take cases in Pierce and Kitsap Counties, and have offices in Poulsbo, Bremerton and Gig Harbor Washington for your convenience. We can answer your infraction calls in the evenings or on weekends. We fight to keep that speeding ticket off of your record!
Get help now
Whether you choose to handle your case alone or engage the Witt Law Group, being informed and prepared is essential. Early involvement of an attorney can significantly impact your chances of a fair recovery, allowing you to focus on healing while we handle negotiations with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for your injuries.
