In Pennsylvania, traffic violations range from failing to stop for a red light to making an illegal U-run. The police can write you a traffic ticket for a wide range of driving behaviors, but no matter what led to your citation you risk fines and points on your driving record.
The penalties for traffic violations can multiply rapidly. If you accumulate too many points, your insurance premiums will go up and can even lose your license. A traffic defense attorney who is experienced in handling traffic cases can help you avoid the points that can cost you thousands of dollars for years to come.
Traffic Violations And Points
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) uses a point system to track your behavior on the road.
Most moving violations will put points on your driving record. Some typical violations and the points they carry, include:
- Failure to obey authorized person directing traffic — 2 points
- Violation of restriction on driver’s license (wearing glasses, etc.) — 2 points
- Failure to stop for a red light — 3 points
- Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel — 3 points
- Following too closely (tailgating) — 3 points
- Failure to stop for stop sign — 3 points
- Illegal U-turns — 3 points
- Failure to stop at railroad crossings — 4 points
- Careless driving — 3 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage — 4 points
- Exceeding the speed limit by six to 10 MPH — 2 pointsExceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 MPH — 3 points and a 15-day suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 25 MPH — 4 points and a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 26 to 30 MPH — 5 points and a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 31 MPH or more — 5 points, a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone. The hearing officer may also give you additional penalties.
The Real Cost Of Pennsylvania Traffic Tickets
Your ticket will include a cost you see written in black and white — your fine. But the real cost of a ticket includes much more.
If you are found guilty of a traffic violation, one of the biggest financial impacts will be the steep rise in your insurance rates. For example, according to insurance.com failure to stop and speeding 30 miles over the limit will cause your insurance to increase 15 percent on average.
Add to the monetary costs the stress you will feel if your license is suspended because you have too many points on your driving record.
Steps To Take If You Are Charge
First, look over your citation. Check the violation and fines, and make certain that your name, address, vehicle information and license number are all correct.
You have 10 days to respond to the citation. If you ignore it, you may have to pay additional fines and your driver’s license can be suspended.
If you have been charged with a traffic offense, it is a sound decision to hire an attorney who can help you fight your ticket and help you avoid having to pay thousands of extra dollars in insurance costs.
Questions? Contact me.
Your rights are at stake and you need the best defense to keep them. I will fight using the strongest defense available to get your Traffic Violations charge reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life.
