Group helps cited motorists fight undue traffic violations

By SUSIE XU
Collegian Staff Writer

Before writing a check for traffic citations they believe are unjust, motorists should consider contacting the National Motorists Association for help.

The association, founded in 1982, deals with any issues affecting motorists, from safety concerns to traffic violations.

"We're out there to protect the interests of the American motorists," said Eric Skrum, the association's communications director.

Skrum said many motorists ask the association for help contesting traffic violations, most of which are for speeding. He said many people are issued citations they do not deserve.

The association can aid drivers by renting them a legal defensive kit that provides information on the device used by the law enforcement official to detect the violation. It also provides information about laws in the driver's state and similar past case scenarios.

Skrum warns motorists they will not be successful in court if they are not well informed of the circumstances under which the citation was issued.

"Unless you know all the facts surrounding the ticket, you can't do much of anything," he said.

District Justice Carmine Prestia said about 18,000 traffic citations were filed in his office last year. Most of them, he added, were parking violations that were not contested.

However, the small fraction of traffic citations that were contested were processed directly through him. If a person pleads not guilty, Prestia schedules a hearing in which the alleged offender's defense can be heard.

Skrum said the most common defenses include errors made by the device used to detect the violation and unfavorable weather and traffic conditions. He also suggests motorists take photos of the site of the violation if it is helpful to the case.

Prestia cautions motorists to always reply to a citation within the given amount of time. Otherwise, he can request to suspend the driver's license and issue a warrant for arrest.