The cops really do target out-of-state license plates because they know the likelihood of you going to court is smaller. But yea, it does depend on the area; in certain areas the chance of you overturning a ticket is slim (that's what the lawyer told me when I got ticketed around middletown, ct) and going to court only increases the fine if you lose (i think). Just take the hit and move on, especially if you know you were in the wrong. Going to court is a huge hassle! Your insurance will not necessarily go up.. especially if you stick to your current one for now!