How can drivers handle traffic tickets? An overview of the appeal process (from our own experience)

Hello everyone, it's your editor again! Every driver's dread is getting a traffic ticket. Whether it's for wrong parking, speeding, or running a red light, the moment you receive a ticket is a downer. Many friends ask me, "What happens if I get a ticket? Should I pay it immediately? What are the circumstances under which I can appeal? How do I appeal?" Today, I'll share my personal experience and break it down in detail, explaining every step clearly so you don't have to worry anymore!

1. The first step after receiving a traffic ticket: check calmly!

Many people get furious or shudder when they receive a ticket, but I recommend staying calm and checking carefully:

1. Check the content of the ticket

• Ticket number : for future inquiries
• Violation details : time, location, and nature of the violation (e.g., illegal parking, speeding, etc.)
• License plate number : confirm whether it is your car
• Law enforcement officer number : signature/stamp
• Payment method : clearly state when the fine should be paid and where to pay

2. Confirm whether you have violated the rules

• Do you remember committing any such illegal acts at that time?
• Is there any discrepancy between the scene and the description in the ticket?
• Have you made any mistakes with the license plate (e.g., copied the wrong number or scrambled letters/numbers)?

Editor's Tips

Sometimes the police officer may write the wrong license plate number or the wrong time, or there may be special circumstances (such as a sudden emergency or unclear road markings). If you are in doubt, do not rush to pay the fine and consider appealing.

2. Dealing with traffic tickets: pay the fine or appeal?

After receiving a ticket, there are usually two options:

1. Pay the fine directly

How to pay fines

• Online payment : Enter the ticket number on the government's "Easy Payment" website/app to pay instantly
• Payment at a convenience store : such as 7-11, OK, VanGO (bring the ticket to the cashier)
• Mail a check : Send to the address specified on the ticket
• Bank ATMs : Some bank ATMs can pay fines

Deadline for paying fines

• The ticket will state the payment deadline, usually within 21 days to enjoy early payment discounts (for example, a $320 parking fine will only be $256)
• If you fail to pay on time, you will be fined and may even be summoned to court.

Things to note when paying fines

• Remember to keep the receipt so you can use it as evidence in the future if needed.
• Screenshot/download proof after online payment

2. Choose to appeal

If you feel you have been wronged, the ticket was issued in error, or there are special reasons (such as a sudden emergency, unclear road markings, or your vehicle is broken down and cannot be moved), you can choose to appeal.

III. A Complete Guide to Appealing a Traffic Ticket (Using Hong Kong as an Example; Mainland China Procedures to be Explained Later)

1. Preparation for appeal

Prepare evidence

• Photos/videos : On-site environment, signs, parking lines, and your vehicle's status
• Witness testimony : Someone can testify to your situation at that time
• Related documents : doctor's note (for emergency), car repair receipt (for car breakdown), pass, etc.

Editor's experience

In every appeal, the more evidence the better. Don't just write "It wasn't me" or "I don't know." Give reasons, preferably with photos, videos, and witnesses.

2. Formal appeal

Submission Method

• Online appeal : The Traffic Prosecutions Division website of the Hong Kong Police Force has a "Fine Notice Objection" service
• Mail/Submit in person : Write a letter and send it with the evidence to the address specified on the ticket.
• Email : Some tickets accept email appeals

Key points of the appeal (Editor's sample letter format)

致：交通違例檢控組
 
I, (name), Hong Kong identity card number XXXXXXX, received a penalty notice (No.: XXXXXXX) on XX/XX/XX for the offence XXXX.

 I believe that the ticket is wrong/there are special reasons for the following reasons:
 1. At the time of the incident, I was under XXXX and did my best to comply with the regulations (attached: supporting documents/photos)
 2. The on-site signs were unclear/obstructed, leading to misunderstandings (attached: photos)
 3. Others (please describe in detail)

 We kindly request that your department review and cancel the fine.

 Thanks!
 (Name, phone number, address, date)

Appeal deadline

• Usually, you must file an objection within 14 days of the ticket. Failure to do so will be considered a waiver of your rights.

3. Wait for a reply

• After receiving the appeal, the transportation department will conduct an internal investigation and usually respond within 2-3 weeks.
• You may be asked to submit additional information or explain in person.

Possible results

• Ticket Cancelled : Congratulations, you don't have to pay the fine
• Maintenance ticket : fines must be paid within the deadline
• Transfer to court : If the dispute is serious, the case will be transferred to court for trial (you can hire a lawyer to assist)

4. Court Appeal Steps

If you disagree with the department's decision, you can choose to "disobey the fixed penalty" and take the case to court:

• Fill out the reply slip according to the ticket instructions to request the court to handle the matter
• The court will send you summonses regularly to notify you to appear in court.
• State your reasons and submit evidence when appearing in court
• After the judge makes a ruling, the case may be fined, revoked, or even subject to additional penalties (for malicious appeals).

Editor's Tips

• The cost of going to court is high, so it is recommended to choose first when there is sufficient evidence.
• You can hire a lawyer to appear in court, or you can make your own statement.

IV. Handling Mainland Traffic Tickets (Mainland Drivers' Attention)

If you are a Hong Kong/Macau vehicle driving northbound and receive a traffic ticket while driving in the Mainland, the procedure for handling the issue is slightly different from that in Hong Kong:

1. Ticket Type

• On-the-spot ticket : issued by the police and assigned to you on the spot
• Electronic ticket (electronic police) : Speeding, running red lights, etc. will be automatically recorded and put on your name

2. Check the ticket

• You can use the "Traffic Control 12123" app or online platform to check vehicle violation records.
• You need to enter information such as license plate number and engine number

3. How to pay fines

• Online payment : Traffic Management 12123 APP, WeChat, Alipay, etc.
• At a bank or traffic police counter : Pay in person
• Self-service terminals : Some cities have self-service terminals

4. Appeals Process

• In mainland China, it is called "administrative reconsideration"
• Submit a review application to the decision-making department within 60 days of receiving the fine
• Application, evidence, and identity proof must be submitted
• The department will respond in writing. If you are not satisfied, you can file an administrative lawsuit.

Tips for Mainland Appeals

• Mainland administrative departments are more "bureaucratic" and evidence must be made public.
• Try to keep photos, videos, and recordings of the scene
• Sometimes you can ask a local lawyer for help

5. FAQ

Q1: What happens if I ignore the ticket?

A: Failure to pay on time will result in additional penalties. In Hong Kong, you may be summoned to court, and in mainland China, your credit will be affected. In serious cases, the annual vehicle inspection may be restricted.

Q2: Do I need to pay money in advance during the appeal process?

A: In Hong Kong, you don’t need to submit first, just wait for the reply. In Mainland China, you usually need to wait for the result before submitting.

Q3: What if I am not the driver but the ticket was placed on my car?

A: You can provide proof (such as the person you lent the car to, a car rental agreement, etc.) to apply to change the person responsible for the violation.

Q4: Can the fine be reduced or waived?

A: Generally, there will be no reduction or exemption unless there are proven special circumstances or the ticket is incorrect.

6. My sincere summary

Receiving a traffic ticket is frustrating, but don't give up! Remember: carefully read the details, prepare evidence, and appeal according to the law. Don't rush to pay . Appeals aren't guaranteed to win, but if you have a case, you should fight for it. We recommend paying close attention to road signs and markings when driving. Don't let a moment of convenience lead to future trouble.

Finally, if you really have questions, don't be afraid to ask for help, even seeking help from a lawyer or other professionals. I hope everyone enjoys driving and avoids receiving a traffic ticket!