Traffic Lawyer

There is nothing worse than seeing those police lights in your rearview mirror. However, do you know what is really at risk? Having your license taken away is a real consequence of unsafe driving, but there are rules in place to protect drivers from losing their license after minor violations. Learn the ins and outs of how to keep your license.

Fines

For the most part, the biggest consequence you will face for traffic violations is a simple fine. The exact way a fine is calculated depends on which state you are in. Most violations have a listed amount that a ticket can be for, although some factors change the amount:

• Number of violations
• Especially grievous circumstance
• Driving record

When Your License Is at Risk

After some infractions, there is a chance you could lose your license. Under normal circumstances, it is impossible to have your license taken away after a minor violation, such as speeding. However, it is possible for your license to be at risk if you have received many infractions for the same traffic violation. So, potentially, if you accumulate 10 speeding tickets, you could lose your license after the 11th. The exact number of violations necessary for this to happen varies from state to state, although most states use two factors to determine if you should lose your license. These factors are the number of violations and a set time period. Usually, a violation will be removed from your record after a set number of years, after which it can no longer affect you.

There are a few other ways you can lose your license. If you are under the age of 18, this may be a possibility for less severe violations. Additionally, you may lose your license after just a single, major infraction. This is usually only a possibility for:

• Driving under the influence of a mind-altering substance
• Driving recklessly
• A hit and run
• Manslaughter

Other Points

Most states have a point system, where each violation is worth a set number of points and too many points loses you your license. Additionally, you usually have the option to attend traffic school to have a violation stricken from your record. If you attend traffic school, you still have to pay any fines, but consequences for repeat violations may be lessened. Finally, you cannot lose your license without attending a hearing. You will have the opportunity to defend yourself and offer explanations in the hopes of keeping your license. It is a good idea to speak to a traffic ticket attorney in this situation.

Source: Traffic Lawyer Hillsville, VA, The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt