Suspended License: Impact of Traffic Tickets

Driving is one of the cherished freedoms Americans enjoy, and most would do anything possible to avoid facing a suspended license because of traffic tickets. Rarely will a minor first offense result in a suspended license, however when those points accumulate, the likelihood of facing a suspension increases. It is important for each driver who has received a traffic ticket to look on their state’s listing of point values to learn where they stand in terms of a possible suspension. When that total becomes high, it is more important than ever to avoid additional traffic tickets.

DMV Point Systems

Each state has their own department of motor vehicles, even if it goes by another name. That is the place to begin when researching the status of each driver’s record. In addition, each state may assess different point values for different driving infractions. In general, however, these are some point common assessments, which are similar to point systems throughout the country:

1-10 mph over speed limit – 2 points

Minor moving violations – 2 points

Refusal of breath test for DUI (drivers under 21 years of age) – 2 points

Careless driving – 3 points

Running traffic signals or signs/ Improper passing – 3 points

11-15 mph over speed limit – 3 points

Drag racing – 4 points

Any blood alcohol level (BAC) for a driver under 21 – 4 points

16 or more mph over speed limit – 4 points

Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or any felony involving a motor vehicle – 6 points

DUI – 6 points

Leaving the scene of an accident – 6 points

Reckless driving – 6 points

Suspension Limits

States also vary on their penalties for an accumulation of points. The Alabama standards are as follows, although most states have similar standards.

DUI – immediate suspension, generally for between 72 hours and 1 year

12 points within a 1-year period – 60 days

15-17 points within a 2-year period – 90 days

18-20 points within a 2-year period – 120 days

21-23 points in a 2-year period – 180 days

24 and above points in a 2-year period – 365 days

Points rotate off a driving record have two years for suspension consideration.

Getting Legal Help for Tickets Threatening License Suspensions

The most obvious solution is to avoid further traffic tickets. However, if a driver with previous offenses is ticketed again, there are options to fight that ticket. However, because of the skill required to do so, and the importance to the driver of doing so successfully, a traffic ticket lawyer may be a vital asset. While attorney’s fees may be a concern, the costs of accumulating points, rising insurance rates, and surviving without a driver’s license for a period, may make it well worth it.

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