A traffic stop resulting in a citation often feels like a major inconvenience. Someone who is headed to work or an important meeting could end up delayed on the side of the road for 20 minutes or even longer and will likely drive away with an expensive ticket. It is quite common for drivers accused of a traffic infraction to simply send a payment to the state and then move on from the situation. Many fail to consider the secondary consequences that they may incur as a result of that traffic citation.
For example, even a single ticket can be enough to increase how much someone pays for automotive liability insurance. Additionally, too many tickets could put someone at risk of losing their license.
The type of infraction determines related penalties
There are a few kinds of traffic offenses that might lead to someone losing their license after a first offense. Impaired driving often comes with licensing consequences even when someone has no prior citations or criminal infractions on their record.
Standard traffic tickets, including speeding and failing to yield, will add a certain number of points to an individual’s license. If someone acquires 12 points within 12 months, the state will suspend their license for 30 days. Those who accumulate 18 points within 18 months will lose their license for three months, and anyone who adds 24 new points to their license within 36 months will face a one-year license suspension. Most traffic tickets will add between three and six points to someone’s license.
It could be as few as two infractions for someone to lose a license if they commit six-point violations. Therefore, even a first traffic ticket is often worth fighting against if someone believes they have grounds for viable offense.
Fighting a ticket can be a financially savvy choice
Although retaining a lawyer to defeat a traffic ticket does cost money, the amount invested will often be far less than the long-term financial consequences of a ticket, especially if that ticket might put someone at risk of losing their license.
Driving privileges are often necessary for household stability and career development. Fighting traffic tickets after seeking legal guidance can be an important step for those who rely on access to personal transportation.
