If a driver disagrees with an officer's assessment, what should they do?

Remaining calm and contesting the citation later is the most appropriate action a driver should take if they disagree with an officer's assessment. Engaging in an argument with the officer can escalate the situation and may lead to further legal complications. The law enforcement officer is tasked with following protocols and making decisions based on their observations and training at that moment, and challenging that assessment in an emotional or confrontational manner is unlikely to lead to a favorable outcome.

Instead, drivers have the right to contest a citation through the proper legal channels after the incident has taken place. This could involve appearing in court or addressing the citation in a designated manner as stipulated by traffic laws. This approach allows the driver to present their side of the story in a structured environment, where legal arguments and evidence can be properly examined.

Leaving the scene without payment could result in additional legal penalties, while taking a photo of the citation does not directly address the disagreement and might not materially assist in contesting the citation later. Hence, remaining calm and choosing to handle the situation through established legal processes ensures the driver is abiding by the law while still asserting their rights.