Does Going to Court Prevent Points on Your License?

Going to court does not mean you will not get points on your license. However, hiring a qualified traffic lawyer may help in avoiding points and possibly getting the fine reduced.

The Georgia Point System assesses points for each driving conviction. The points for each offense ranges from two (2) to six (6) points.

  • Drivers 21 years old and older will have their driving privileges suspended if they receive 15 points within a 24-month period.
  • Drivers under 21 years old will have their driver’s license suspended for committing any violation worth four (4) points.

Georgia assesses no points for speeding convictions less than 15 MPH over the posted speed limit and for convictions of “Driving Too Fast for Conditions.” For out-of-state drivers, Georgia reports the offense to the home state where points may be assessed there.

Below is a list of common traffic offenses in Georgia and the driver’s license points those offenses carry – this list does not encompass every traffic offense.

Note: The points schedule listed below may be different for drivers under 21 years old.

What should I do after being given a traffic ticket?

In deciding what to do about a traffic ticket, you need to consider the following:

  • the potential punishment that you face for the charged violation of law
  • any possible defenses, justifications, or mitigating circumstances
  • the impact that the violation of law will have upon your privilege to drive
  • the impact that the violation of law will have upon your automobile insurance
  • the amount of energy, time, and cost involved in contesting the charged violation
  • the need to retain an attorney to protect your rights

A good course of action is to cooperate to a certain point with the police officer who issues the traffic ticket. You may speak with the officer concerning the issuance of the traffic ticket but bear in mind that the statement you give to the police officer can be used against you in a court of law.

After signing the traffic ticket, make notes about the circumstances that led up to its issuance while the events are still fresh in your mind. Then begin to gather all the required information. 

It is in your best interest to speak with an experienced traffic attorney. 

Contact Savannah Traffic Violations Attorney Sneh Patel

While going to court does not necessarily prevent you from getting points on your license, hiring a qualified traffic attorney may help avoid points and reduce any potential fines.

If you are facing a traffic violation, contact me online or call 912-656-5996 to schedule a free consultation at my Savannah law firm. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with weekend appointments and jail visits available upon request.