Judges decide dozens of traffic cases a day, and whether it's fair or not, presentation is information. A driver who shows up organized signals that their account is probably organized too. Here's exactly what to wear and what to carry.
What to wear
The standard: business casual, clean and understated.
- Collared shirt or blouse; slacks, chinos, or a modest dress or skirt
- Closed shoes
- Minimal accessories; remove sunglasses and hats before entering
Avoid: shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, gym wear, clothing with slogans or graphics, and anything you'd wear to a concert. Some courts turn away inappropriate dress at the door — don't let a T-shirt cost you a continuance.
You're not dressing to impress; you're dressing to not be a distraction from your case.
The document stack (bring originals + a copy)
- The citation itself
- Your driver's license
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Any court correspondence (notices, your not-guilty plea confirmation, hearing date letter)
- Proof of corrections — if it was a fixable violation (equipment, documentation) and you fixed it, bring dated proof: receipts, inspection sign-offs, photos
The evidence stack
Only what supports your specific defense:
- Photos of the scene: signage (or missing/obscured signage), road markings, sight lines, the officer's vantage point. Print them — don't plan to hand the judge your phone.
- A simple diagram of the intersection or road, with positions marked
- Dashcam footage — check with the court clerk before your date about how to submit video; courts differ
- Witness(es) — a passenger or bystander who will testify must come in person; a written note usually carries little weight
- Repair/calibration records if relevant (e.g., your speedometer was recently serviced)
The preparation stack
- A one-page outline of your side: 3–5 bullet points, in order. You will be nervous; the paper won't be.
- Your questions for the officer, written out — short and factual
- Two copies of everything — one for you, one if the court asks
Practical logistics people forget
- Arrive 30 minutes early; security lines and finding the right courtroom eat time
- Silence your phone completely
- Bring payment capability — if you lose or take a reduced penalty, some courts expect same-day payment or setup
- Arrange childcare; many courtrooms restrict children
- If you can't make the date, call the court in advance about a continuance — don't just skip it
The 10-second version
Dress plainly, bring the citation + license + registration + insurance, print your photos, write your outline, arrive early, address the judge as "Your Honor."
Want the full script, not just the packing list? Zigpon's free mock court script walks you through what the judge will ask for your state and violation. Get prepared →
Educational information only — not legal advice. Courtroom rules vary; check your court's website for specific requirements.