Traffic Matters
Usually it is not expedient to contest a traffic ticket in court. In traffic court, your intent generally does not matter. You are generally better off paying the fine and going home.

The exception is if you are charged with a serious offense such as DUI, Fleeing and Eluding, Aggressive Driving, Reckless Driving, or Hit and Run. DUI, Fleeing, and Hit and Run can result in license suspensions, jail time, and significant fines.

Another exception is if you are under 21 years old. It is very easy for an under 21 year old driver to wind up with a suspended driver's license. For instance, a speeding ticket for driving more than 23 miles per hour over the speed limit results in a 180 day license suspension for a person under age 21.