I won't debate the morality of getting out of real or apparent infractions and fines but generally it pays to contest any tickets and fines. Depends on how much your time is worth.

There is a good chance, approximately 50% according to some court records, that the ticketing officer will be unable to show up to testify in court. If the officer for any reason fails to show up the court automatically dismisses the charges on the basis of your inability to 'confront your accuser'.

There is some risk of the judge raising the fine if you bollix your appeal and flaunt your cynical attempt to work the system but generally if you don't shine them on the cost only goes up to the extent that you pay court cost.

Last time I asked court costs in misdemeanor cases were around $50. In effect your risking court cost and lost time to avoid the fine. A fair deal if the fine is $500 or more. Not so much if the fine is $60.