Georgia’s traffic ticket points system is a critical aspect of the state’s traffic law enforcement. It’s designed to encourage safe driving and penalize repeat offenders. Accumulating too many points can lead to severe consequences such as increased insurance premiums, loss of driving privileges, and more. The Savannah car accident attorneys explain Georgia’s traffic ticket points system, how it works, and its impact on drivers.

How The Points System Works

What Are Traffic Ticket Points?

The points system assigns a value, known as points, to various traffic violations. These points are recorded on your driving record when you’re convicted of a traffic offense. The severity of the violation typically determines the number of points added to your record.

Points For Common Traffic Violations In Georgia

Here’s a breakdown of points assigned for some common traffic violations in Georgia:

  • Speeding
    • 15-18 mph over the limit: 2 points
    • 19-23 mph over the limit: 3 points
    • 24-33 mph over the limit: 4 points
    • 34 mph or more over the limit: 6 points
  • Reckless Driving: 4 points
  • Improper Passing on Hill or Curve: 4 points
  • Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device: 3 points
  • Failure to Exercise Due Care: 3 points
  • Improper Passing of a School Bus: 6 points
  • Aggressive Driving: 6 points
  • Following Too Closely: 3 points
  • Disregarding Traffic Officer: 3 points
  • Driving on the Wrong Side of Road: 4 points

Consequences Of Accumulating Points

While a single traffic ticket might not lead to immediate consequences, recurrent violations accumulating points on your record can result in:

  • License Suspension: If you accumulate 15 or more points within a 24-month period, your driver’s license may be suspended.
  • Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies often review your driving record, and accumulating points can lead to higher insurance premiums.
  • Driver Improvement Course: To avoid suspension, drivers may need to attend a driver improvement course.

Impact On Different Drivers

Drivers Under 21

For drivers under 21, the regulations are stricter. An accumulation of 4 or more points within 12 months will result in an automatic suspension of their license. This includes violations such as aggressive driving, speeding more than 24 mph over the limit, or any four-point violation.

Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers have more at stake as their livelihood depends on maintaining a clean driving record. Serious violations can lead to disqualifications and hefty fines. It’s important for commercial drivers to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to avoid accumulating points.

How To Remove Points From Your Record

Defensive Driving Courses

One way to reduce the points on your driving record is by completing an approved defensive driving course. Completing such a course can help remove up to 7 points from your driving record once every 5 years. These courses not only help in point reduction but also serve as refresher training to improve driving habits and knowledge.

Waiting Periods

Points for traffic violations generally stay on your record for two years from the date of the conviction. After this period, these points will no longer count towards the 15-point limit that leads to license suspension, though the violations may still appear on your driving history.

Fighting A Traffic Ticket

Understand Your Rights

Georgia offers drivers the right to contest traffic tickets in court. If you believe a ticket was issued unjustly, you have the option to fight it. This can sometimes result in a reduction of points or even dismissal of the ticket.

Hire An Attorney

Considering the complexities of traffic laws and the potential consequences of accumulating points, it may be beneficial to hire an attorney who specializes in traffic violations. An experienced lawyer can help navigate the legal system, potentially reducing the impact of the ticket on your driving record.

The Georgia traffic ticket points system plays a significant role in maintaining road safety by penalizing drivers who frequently commit traffic offenses. Understanding how this system works and taking appropriate measures to maintain a clean driving record is crucial for avoiding penalties such as license suspension and increased insurance rates.

By adhering to traffic laws and being aware of the points system, drivers in Georgia can ensure they stay on the right side of the law. If you find yourself facing a traffic violation, it’s essential to know the available options for reducing points and minimizing any adverse impacts. Always consider seeking professional legal advice if you’re unsure of how to proceed.