Traffic citations happen to even the best Virginia driver, including profession drivers such as truckers and delivery personnel. The steps you take after a ticket is sued may determine how costly the infraction becomes. Remember, if you feel the officer issued a citation to you in error, you can always fight the ticket in court. A successful challenge eliminates that charge from your record.
At least two negative things happen when you receive a traffic citation. The first are fines you must pay if you plead or are found guilty. The second is demerit points that will be added to your driving record and your insurance premiums may increase. If you are a professional driver, you could also suffer consequences from your employer, such as being placed on probation. If you decide not to fight the charge, make sure you pay the fine in a timely manner.
As with other states, Virginia issues demerit points for traffic violations. According to the Virginia DMV website, both demerit points and safe driving points exist. Demerit points result from a conviction for a traffic violation. If you receive too many demerit points, you license is subject to suspension and/or revocation. You can also earn safe driver points. You get one safe driving point for each year of safe driving (January 1 thru December 31). Additionally, five safe driving points are issued for completing an approved safe driving course. The maximum amount of safe driver points you can accumulate is five.
If you have any questions concerning a recently received traffic citation or you have to minimize the impact of a citation on your driving record, please contact our office and an experienced attorney can advise you of your options. The initial consultation is free.