Speeding Tickets and Traffic Violations in Georgia Most of us will encounter a ticket at least once in our lives. But paying your speeding ticket means an automatic guilty plea. It may lead to more expensive car insurance and points, which may lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. Here are answers to questions you may have when fighting your speeding ticket in Georgia: How to Fight Do I need an attorney to fight my traffic ticket? Many speeding tickets have been handled without an attorney. Many courts allow you to pay a fine or complete a driving course in order to dismiss the ticket; others allow you to plead guilty and pay a fine. However, an attorney will give you all of the pertinent information before you go to court, such as how pleading no contest/”nolo” will affect you. Depending on the court and where you live, a lawyer can even go to court for you. What if I was involved in an accident? Both parties will typically be issued tickets in an accident. Normally, if no one was injured, there should not be any other problems, however the reports taken at the scene are what insurance companies use but are not always accurate. If you want to contest your ticket, the ticket-issuing officer may or may not be present, and the primary witness will be the other driver. You should consult with an attorney before electing to proceed with a trial, as almost all offenses are punishable by some jail time. Violations What is the Georgia Super Speeder law? A “Super Speeder” is someone who is convicted of driving 75 MPH on a two-lane road or highway, or 85 MPH or more on a regular road or highway. A $200 fee is imposed, and if it is not paid within 90 days, the driver’s license will be suspended and an additional $50 will be required to get it back. Entering a no-contest/”nolo” plea will not get out of the Super Speeder fee.

What is a “habitual violator”? A “habitual violator” in Georgia is a person who has committed any three of the following violations within a five year period: ● Homicide by vehicle (1st degree) ● Homicide by vehicle (2nd degree) ● Feticide by vehicle (1st degree) ● Serious injury by vehicle ● Driving under the influence ● Hit & run ● Street racing (highways or streets) ● Any felony committed in which a motor vehicle is used ● Using a motor vehicle to flee or elude officers ● Operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or canceled registration. ● Felony forgery conviction involving identification documents ● Unlawful or fraudulent use of or application for a license or ID card

They are also some of the offenses that will result in the suspension of your driver’s license in Georgia. What if I get a ticket passing a school bus? While many do not realize it, passing a school bus is actually one of the most serious offenses in the state of Georgia, which is why you should contact an attorney right away. In fact, even those with a spotless history are likely to face stiff penalties. The judge and prosecutor is unlikely to reduce the charge, you may be subject to up to 12 months in jail and a $1000 fine, and even face child endangerment charges! You may also get 6 points added to your license, or have your license suspended if you are under 21.

Fines How much will my fine be? The judge and the prosecutor will determine the amount of your fine, and depending on the circumstances, may be higher or lower within the set limits. A surcharge may also be added to your fine. Is it a good idea to pay my ticket online? It is generally better to pay your speeding fine in person. Besides being unable to get a reduced charge, many courts in Georgia charge higher fines online. The court system accepts American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders, and Checks as well as in-person cash.

Suspension How many points to have my license suspended? For a non-commercial driver, 15 or more points within a 24-month period will result in license suspension in Georgia. (However, drivers under the age of 21 will most likely have their license suspended upon the first traffic conviction.) How do I find out if my license was suspended? Call the Department of Driver Services at (678) 413-8500 or (866) 754-3687 (outside metro Atlanta) or visit www.dds.ga.gov to find out the status of your Georgia License. How do I reinstate my license? Your license may be suspended for failing to appear in court for a traffic violation (other than a parking violation). To reinstate your license, you must get a 912 license reinstatement form, or clearance letter from the court, and take it to the Department of Driver Services with the reinstatement fee.

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