In Georgia, the points system is how the state tracks and penalizes drivers for traffic violations. While one or two points may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can quickly add up, leading to hefty fines, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and even license suspension. Understanding how this system works—and how an experienced traffic lawyer, like those at The Ticket Clinic, can help—is key to safeguarding your driving privileges and avoiding long-term hassles.
When you’re convicted of a traffic violation, points are added to your driving record. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) assigns a specific number of points to different infractions. Some common examples include:
- Speeding 15–18 mph over the limit: 2 points
- Improper lane change: 3 points
- Failure to obey a traffic control device: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Passing a stopped school bus: 6 points
Once points are added to your record, they stay there for two years. While that may not sound like a long time, accumulating too many points within a short period can trigger serious consequences.
Penalties for Excessive Points
Georgia has strict thresholds for point accumulation:
- 15 Points in 24 Months: Your license will be suspended.
- Impact on Young Drivers: Drivers under 21 who are convicted of a 4-point violation (such as reckless driving or passing a school bus) will have their license suspended immediately.
- Insurance Rates: Even a single violation can raise your insurance premiums, as insurers view points as a sign of increased risk.
Beyond financial and logistical headaches, license suspension can disrupt your daily life, making it harder to get to work, school, or other obligations.
How Points Can Impact Your Long-Term Driving Record
Points don’t just go away after you pay a fine or serve your penalty. Here’s how they can affect you in the long run:
- Higher Costs: Accumulated points can lead to increased fines for future violations.
- Insurance Increases: On average, a traffic ticket can raise insurance premiums by 20-30%, and those hikes can last for years.
- Habitual Violator Status: Drivers who repeatedly violate traffic laws may face even harsher penalties, including extended suspension periods.
Avoid Points By Challenging Every Ticket – How The Ticket Clinic Can Help
Here’s where The Ticket Clinic comes in. Their team of experienced traffic lawyers specializes in protecting drivers from the pitfalls of Georgia’s points system. They can help you avoid the immediate penalties and long-term consequences of traffic violations.
- Challenge Your Ticket: The Ticket Clinic’s attorneys know how to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, such as improper procedure or lack of evidence, potentially leading to a dismissal.
- Negotiate for Reduced Charges: The goal is to always get the case dismissed. However, sometimes due to the nature of the case and client’s previous record this is difficult. In these situations our attorneys can work to downgrade your violation to a non-point offense, keeping your driving record clean.
- Protect Your License: If you’re at risk of suspension, their legal expertise can be the difference between losing your license and staying on the road.
- Save You Time and Stress: Handling a traffic case on your own can be overwhelming. The Ticket Clinic takes care of the paperwork, court appearances, and negotiations so you can focus on your life.
Why Addressing Points Matters
The points system in Georgia is more than just a record of your driving history; it’s a potential threat to your freedom, finances, and peace of mind. Ignoring a ticket or hoping for the best isn’t worth the risk. By hiring an experienced traffic lawyer at The Ticket Clinic, you’re investing in a smoother, less stressful resolution to your case—one that could save you from long-term hassles and protect your driving future.
Don’t Let Points Put You in the Red
If you’ve been issued a traffic ticket in Georgia, don’t wait for points to pile up on your record. Contact The Ticket Clinic today to explore your options and fight back against the system. With their expertise, you’ll have the best chance of keeping your license—and your life—on track.
