Traffic violation offenses in Georgia may include speeding, aggressive driving, failure to obey traffic-control devices, driving under the influence, unlawful passing of a school bus, running a stop sign, and distracted driving. Committing any of these traffic violations may attract ticket fines, demerit points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and other penalties. A highly-skilled Georgia criminal defense attorney can enlighten you about how a traffic violation affects your car insurance coverage and help contest the traffic ticket.

The Law Office of Jay G. Wall is dedicated to providing experienced legal guidance and reliable representation to clients in their traffic violation cases. As your legal counsel, he will investigate every aspect of your case, explore your possible legal options, and represent you vigorously in traffic court. Attorney Jay G. Wall will attempt to protect your legal rights and driving privileges and help you avoid any insurance consequences. The firm is proud to represent clients across Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, and Cartersville, Georgia.

Types of Traffic Violations

A traffic violation occurs when a driver or motorist violates any rule or law guiding the operations of motor vehicles on roadways, highways, and streets. In Georgia, traffic violations may be categorized into moving or non-moving violations.

Moving Violations

A moving violation occurs when a motorist violates a traffic law while the motor vehicle is in motion. Some common examples of moving violations include:

  • Speeding

  • Reckless driving

  • Driving while under the influence

  • Aggressive driving

  • Failure to yield the right of way

  • Improper lane changes

  • Running a red light

  • Driving with a suspended or expired driver’s license

  • Failure to maintain a single lane

  • Driving without the required car insurance policy

  • Failure to obey traffic signals

  • Passing school bus unlawfully

  • Hit and run accidents

Non-Moving Violations

A non-moving violation is a traffic offense – an infraction or violation – which involves a stationary motor vehicle. The common types of non-moving violations include:

  • Parking in front of a driveway

  • Broken or missing mirrors

  • Failure to display a fuel license/permit

  • Parking near a fire hydrant

  • A broken headlight or taillight

  • Expired motor vehicle plates

  • Parking in a no-parking zone

  • Parking at an expired parking meter

  • No license plate

  • Improper or illegal parking

  • Driving without the required documents or legal paperwork

Moving violations expose pedestrians, other motorists, and road users to increased risks. Therefore, these kinds of traffic violations often attract harsher punishment. A knowledgeable traffic violations attorney can enlighten you about the point system in Georgia and help fight your traffic ticket.

Brief Overview of the Point System in Georgia

Upon conviction of certain traffic violations in Georgia, demerit points may be added to your driving record. The Georgia Point System ranges from 2 to 6 points. Here are some common traffic violations and their respective points:

  • Violation of usage of wireless telecommunication devise requirements – 1 point.

  • Operating a Vehicle while Text Messaging – 1 point

  • Child Safety Restraint – 1st offense – 1 point

  • Child Safety Restraint – 2nd or Subsequent Offense – 2 points

  • Failure to Adequately Secure Load (except fresh farm produce), resulting in an Accident – 2 points

  • Failure to Obey Traffic-Control Device – 3 points

  • Reckless Driving – 4 points

  • Improper Passing on Hill or Curve – 4 points

  • Speeding: 15 to 18 mph over the speed limit – 2 points

  • Speeding: 19 to 23 mph over the speed limit – 3 points

  • Speeding: 24 to 33 mph above the speed limit – 4 points

  • Speeding: 34 mph or more above the speed limit – 6 points

  • Unlawful Passing School Bus – 6 points

  • Aggressive Driving – 6 points

  • All Other Moving Violations – 3 points

Furthermore, accumulating 15 points in 24 months may result in the following consequences:

  • First offense: Driver’s license suspension for one year and a $200 reinstatement fee.

  • Second offense: Driver’s license suspension for three years and a $300 reinstatement fee.

  • Third offense: Driver’s license suspension for two years without eligibility for early reinstatement or a hardship license.

A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand the nature of your traffic violations and the consequences on your insurance coverage.

Insurance Coverage Penalties

In addition to demerit points and fines, a traffic ticket or traffic violation conviction in the state of Georgia will attract the following insurance coverage penalties:

  • Your auto insurance premium will increase.

  • You could be denied coverage going forward

  • Insurance fines

An experienced attorney can outline an effective defense strategy to protect your insurance rates, and driving privileges and determine the best course of action.

Common Defenses for Traffic Violations

A defense counsel can help fight your traffic violation case using any of the following defenses:

  • Dispute the evidence against you with substantial facts and proof.

  • Establish that it was a mistake of fact

  • Dispute the arresting officer’s account of the incident

  • Establish that your conduct was required to avoid potential harm

  • Establish that your actions were legally justified

Fighting traffic violations can help you receive a lenient punishment, protect your driving record, or eventually beat the traffic ticket. An experienced traffic violations attorney can review every last detail of your case and determine the best way to fight your Georgia traffic ticket.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help

Fighting your traffic tickets, fines, or other traffic violations without reliable representation could increase your risk of receiving the maximum penalties. If convicted, you may get demerit point values on your driving record, which could lead to increased auto insurance rates. Also, you may suffer other harsh penalties, including massive fines, possible jail time, licenses suspension, and other devastating life-altering consequences. Therefore, you must retain an experienced Georgia traffic violations attorney to protect your driving record and help build your defense.

Attorney Jay G. Wall has the diligence, experience, and resource to help clients challenge their traffic violation allegations. As your legal counsel, he can review and investigate all of the surrounding facts of your unique circumstances and outline an effective defense strategy for your case. Using his in-depth legal knowledge, Attorney Jay G. Wall can attempt to dispute the evidence against you and help you pursue the best available outcome in your traffic violation case.

Contesting your traffic tickets and violations can help protect your driving record and insurance rates. Contact The Law Office of Jay G. Wall today to schedule a simple case assessment with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Jay G. Wall has the detailed legal guidance and reliable representation you need to fight your traffic violation case. The firm is proud to represent clients across Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, and Cartersville, Georgia.