Although most people are aware of the fines associated with getting a traffic ticket in California, many are unaware of the effects it can have on your driving record. It is important to drive safely and wisely to avoid facing serious consequences.

Points Associated With Traffic Tickets

Each accident, incident or ticket is assigned a point. The number of points you receive on your driving record varies depending on the type of ticket you receive. In California, you will get one point for offenses such as:

• Running a red light
• Being at-fault in an accident
• Speeding
• Changing lanes unsafely

Two points will be added to your driving record if you:

• Have a hit-and-run accident
• Drive while your license is revoked or suspended
• Drive recklessly
• Drive in excess of 100 MPH

All points added to your driving record are public information. Most points will remain on your record for 39 months while points received for more serious infractions like a DUI will be on your record for 13 years. In some cases, you can benefit from hiring a ticket attorney to fight for you.

Impacts on Driving Privileges

Because your points take at least 39 months to drop off your record, accumulating too many points in a certain time frame can have negative consequences for your driving privileges. In California, some of them can be suspended or all of them can be revoked if you accrue:

• Four or five points in a 12 month period
• Six or seven points in a 24 month period
• Eight or more points in a 36 month period

There are other cases in which your license may be automatically suspended, and penalties for traffic infractions are greater if you are younger than 18.

When you are faced with a traffic ticket, there may be a way to avoid getting points added to your driving record. Hire a traffic ticket lawyer Long Beach today to see how much you can benefit from having an attorney on your side.

Published: 2018-09-23 10:56:59