Thanks to multiple reports & studies, we know that cities use traffic tickets to make money at the expense of its citizens, but do we know how these fines impact our driving record? Speeding, Super Speeder, or other Traffic Violations can often lead to a license suspension. Before paying your citation online, read the info below to protect your drivers license. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions our law office receives about speeding & traffic citations. Please call us to schedule a free consultation if you have any other questions!
How Many Points Will I Get On My Driving Record For Speeding?
In addition to other penalties, these common traffic violations will add the following points to your driving record:
| CITATION | POINTS |
| Speeding 15-18 mph Over | 2 points |
| Speeding 19-23 mph Over | 3 points |
| Speeding 24-33 mph Over | 4 points |
| Speeding 34 mph + Over | 6 points |
| Aggressive Driving | 6 points |
| Reckless Driving (40-6-390) | 4 points |
| Stop/Yield Sign Violation (40-6-72) | 3 points |
| Failure to Maintain Lane | 3 points |
| Improper/Erratic Lane Change | 3 points |
| Improper Passing (40-6-44) | 3 points |
| Following Too Closely | 3 points |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Device | 3 points |
| Motorcycle Protective Gear (40-6-315) | 3 points |
| Unlawful Use of Wireless Device |
1 point
1st offense 2 point 2nd offense 3 point 3rd offense |
Should I Pay My Traffic Violation Online?
NO, and not until you speak to a criminal defense attorney first. Paying a ticket online will result in a conviction on your record. YOU SHOULD NEVER pay a ticket online without knowing the impact it will have on your drivers license.
Will One Ticket Really Impact My Record?
YES. In Georgia, traffic offenses are punishable as a misdemeanor and you can face up to 12 months of jail or probation, and be forced to pay fines & fees that can exceed $500. Also, points accrued on your record for these violations can have real impacts on your drivers license, employment opportunities, and insurance rates.
How Many Points On My Driving Record Will Result Suspend My License?
For drivers who are at least 21 years old, 15 points within a 24 month period will result in a license suspension. For drivers who are younger than 21 years old, 4 points within a 12 month period will result in a license suspension.
However, your license can be suspended despite the points for certain serious traffic offenses. Your license may also be suspended on the scene of a suspected DUI violation. Do NOT wait until it’s too late to protect your driving privileges–contact our office immediately for a free consultation.
What Is A Super Speeder Ticket, And Will It Suspend My License?
In Georgia, you can be subject to a Super Speeder license suspension if you are convicted of driving 75 MPH or more on any two-lane road, or 85 MPH or more on any other road or highway. A Super Speeder fee of $200 will be due to the Georgia Department of Driver Services in addition to any fines and fees paid to the jurisdiction where the offense took place. If this fee is not paid, a super speeder license suspension will occur and you will be required to pay an additional fee to reinstate your drivers license. You can find out how to pay this fee online, via mail, or in-person by visiting the Georgia Department of Driver Services, OR you can try to avoid a Super Speeder license suspension by contacting our office for a free consultation.
Can a Nolo Plea (Nolo Contendere) Keep Points Off My Record?
YES and NO. While a Nolo Plea may help you avoid points on your driving record, it can have different impacts for different violations, for drivers under 21, or for commercial drivers of any age. A Nolo plea also has no impact on certain serious offenses.
It is also important to know that any applicable Nolo Plea can only be used once every five years for a moving traffic violation. Please speak with a criminal defense attorney to determine whether you can -or should- use a Nolo Plea.
Can Traffic Violations Keep Me From Obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)?
YES. If your license is suspended for points and/or violations while in your personal vehicle, you will NOT be eligible to receive a CDL. It is also important to note that any traffic citation -even ones that may not lead to a license suspension- will be considered during your employment application.
For drivers who already have a CDL, the penalties for the traffic offenses above are much more serious. According to O.C.G.A. 40-5-142, a CDL can be suspended for committing certain traffic offenses including speeding, following too closely, and improper lane change. Before paying any citation in court or online, CDL holders should contact an attorney and discuss how these violations can impact their livelihood.
What If My Prosecutor Tells Me I Can Avoid Points On My Record If I Accept Their Plea Deal?
As a rule of thumb at the Awad Legal Team: NEVER TRUST THE STATE. Our office has had the pleasure of working with some of the most honest & hard-working prosecutors across the State, but there are no guarantees that you will face those same prosecutors for your case. A rookie prosecutor may not understand the impact of a guilty or nolo plea on your record, and an experienced prosecutor may be more interested in closing your case than protecting your driving privileges. If you have any questions about your traffic citations or speeding charges please contact the Awad Legal Team for a free consultation today.
Can I Do Anything To Fix My Bad Driving Record?
YES. Georgia drivers may request a reduction of up to 7 points from their driving record once every five years. To do this you must complete a certified Defensive Driving Class and present an original certificate of completion to a DDS Customer Service Center, or via mail to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, P.O. Box 80447, Conyers, GA 30013.