Traffic Tickets

The more you drive, the more likely it is that you will receive a traffic ticket, but it is never a good idea merely to pay the fine and let the points go on your driving record. It’s a better idea to challenge the citation with the help of a Lemoyne traffic ticket defense attorney.

Simply paying a fine to make a traffic ticket “go away” doesn’t really make it go away. It puts points on your driving record, and if you accumulate too many points, your auto insurance rates will increase, and your driver’s license could be suspended.

HOW DOES PENNSYLVANIA’S “POINT SYSTEM” WORK?

In Pennsylvania, most moving violations put from two to five points on a driver’s record. Three points are erased if there are no violations for a twelve-month period.

However, when a driver accumulates six or more points, a written driving exam is required. If the driver passes the test, two points are erased from the driving record, but failing the exam triggers a ninety-day driver’s license suspension.

Pennsylvania drivers may also have their licenses suspended for serious violations or driving-related crimes such as reckless driving or driving under the influence.

VIOLATIONS AND POINTS IN PENNSYLVANIA’S POINT SYSTEM

The list of moving violations and points is long, but the common violations and the points attached include:

1. failure to stop for a stop sign or red light: three points
2. following too closely (tailgating): three points
3.  illegal U-turn: three points
4. careless driving: three points
5. failure to stop at a railroad crossing: four points

HOW IS SPEEDING HANDLED?

Speeding, one of the most common violations, is more complicated. Speeding fines and points depend on the severity of the violation. Here are the details:

1. Speeding six to ten miles per hour over the posted limit adds two points to a driver’s record.
2. Speeding eleven to fifteen miles per hour over the posted limit adds three points to a driver’s record.
3. Speeding sixteen to twenty-five miles per hour over the posted limit adds four points to a driver’s record.
4. Speeding sixteen to twenty-five miles per hour over the posted limit adds four points to a driver’s record.
5. Speeding twenty-six or more miles per hour over the posted limit adds five points to a driver’s record.
6. If you are speeding eleven or more miles per hour in a work zone in Pennsylvania, your driver’s license may be suspended for fifteen days.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONTEST A TRAFFIC TICKET?

Auto insurance premiums may increase as a driver accumulates points. Some insurance companies may even choose not to renew the policy of a driver who consistently accumulates points.

Ignoring a traffic ticket is an even worse choice than paying the fine. A court could order additional fines or fees or even issue an arrest warrant if you simply ignore a ticket.

If you’re in or near Cumberland County or Dauphin County, the best option is challenging a traffic ticket with the help of Lemoyne traffic ticket defense attorney R. Davis Younts.

A good attorney may be able to find mistakes made by the police in your case – or even a violation of your rights. If a radar gun was used, it may not have been properly maintained and calibrated. Your lawyer will review the details in the case and determine the best way to proceed.

WHAT STEPS SHOULD YOU TAKE IF YOU RECEIVE A TRAFFIC TICKET?

Read the ticket closely. Make sure that you understand every detail. Also make sure that your name, address, license number, and all other information on the ticket is correct.

Upon receiving a traffic ticket, you have ten days to act. That means you need to contact – immediately – an attorney who can help you challenge the ticket. In many cases, the right attorney can keep points off your driving record or even have the matter entirely dismissed.

WHERE CAN YOU TURN FOR THE LEGAL HELP YOU NEED IN LEMOYNE, PA?

Do not ignore a traffic ticket, and don’t try to act as your own lawyer. A lot will be at stake, and having a good attorney’s help is your right. In Cumberland or Dauphin County, criminal defense attorney R. Davis Younts will handle your traffic case and advocate effectively on your behalf.

Attorney R. Davis Younts has been a prosecutor as well as a defense attorney, so he has extensive experience on both sides of the courtroom. For eighteen years, he has been trusted by clients to handle everything from traffic tickets to violent felony charges.

Attorney R. Davis Younts is dedicated to justice, so no case is too small. If you are charged with any traffic violation, fight the charge and contact R. Davis Younts at (833) 739-5291 or (717) 612-4840. His law offices are in Lemoyne at 26 North Ninth Street, and he is ready to work for you.

Traffic Tickets