In any case always use honey, not vinegar with the cop. If you had to, you could contest it and get a hearing. Depending on how much money you may lose ( if any at all ) from missing work, it could be worth your while to do so. Magistrates or whatever court officer presides, usually at least reduce a fine and if you are a difficult Russian Bitch who is unrelenting, they just drop the fine and let you walk. It's a lot to go through, though. Especially if you were not speeding. If you have multiple moving violations "infractions" , you can save hundreds of $ in surcharges and fines.