In order to determine how best to represent yourself with regard to a speeding ticket, you must become acquainted with speeding ticket law in your state. All states use one or more types of speed limits. An absolute speed limit is the posted speed limit for a particular stretch of roadway. If the speed limit where you are stopped is posted at 35 mph, for instance, and you were clocked driving at a speed of 47 mph, you have violated an absolute speed limit. On the other hand, presumed speed limits involve limits on speed depending on what is a reasonable speed given the road conditions, weather, traffic congestion, and other relevant circumstances. This is a more subjective violation of the law, so you may have a better chance of contesting these sorts of speeding tickets. Finally, some states have basic speed limits, which you can violate by driving at an unsafe speed given the circumstances, which is, again, a very subjective standard. Basic speed limits often are applied to drivers who are driving at speeds that are too low for the conditions. Once you have determined the type of speed limit that you are charged with violating, you will be able to better present your case in traffic court.