Failure to Stop at a Traffic Light: Fines, Traffic Points and Defense

Failure to stop at a yield sign is a charge that may be given to an individual who does not watch for oncoming traffic and properly yield at the sign. He or she must yield within 5 feet of the stop line or crosswalk in order to allow oncoming traffic to proceed before the individual continues. Failure to do so can result in a fine, jail time, license points and even increased insurance premiums.

Fines and Penalties

This charge is considered a ‘moving violation,’ and in most areas, moving violations can result in between 1 and 3 points being added to a driver’s license. Depending upon which state the individual was stopped in, he or she may have to pay fines between $50 and $200, or could even face up to two weeks in jail. While this tiny traffic violation may not seem like such a big deal, it can carry heavy consequences.

Traffic Points and Impact on Driving Record

If someone is charged with a failure to stop at a yield sign, he or she could end up receiving 1 to 3 demerit points on his or her license record. These points add up, and if an individual receives a certain number of points in a short amount of time, he or she could lose their license for a year, 18 months or longer. With points, some insurance companies raise their premiums, so this minor traffic violation could continue to cost one money even after the initial ticket is paid.

Hiring a Lawyer

For individuals who may actually not be guilty of the crime, the consequences will be very heavy. For this reason, many individuals decide to fight the charge and attempt to prove to the court why they should not receive the penalties and charges under the law. One reason may be that the yield sign was obstructed and that the driver did not see it. Hiring an attorney can help one prove their case and create a winning strategy so that they do not have to take the consequences of something they didn’t actually do.

Individuals who have been wrongly accused of failure to stop at a yield sign should consider consulting with an experienced attorney to find out more about their rights and options under the law.

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