Getting pulled over and given a ticket can be more than a minor inconvenience. If you are found guilty of committing a moving violation in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will add points to your driving record. These points document your driving behavior. If you accumulate six or more points, you may see an increase in your car insurance rates.
How Many Points Can I Get On My License for a Traffic Violation in Pennsylvania?
The amount of points added to your record depends on the severity of the traffic violation. Some of the most common traffic violations and their respective point values include:
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk: two points
- Driving between 6 and 10 MPH over the posted speed limit: two points
- Failure to stop at a red stoplight or stop sign: three points
- Following a vehicle too closely (tailgating): three points
- Careless driving: three points
- Making an illegal U-turn: three points
- Driving between 11 and 15 MPH over the posted speed limit: three points
- Failure to stop at a railroad crossing: four points
- Committing a hit-and-run accident that results in property damage: four points
- Driving between 16 and 25 MPH over the posted speed limit: four points
- Driving between 26 and 30 MPH over the posted speed limit: five points
- Driving over 31 MPH over the posted speed limit: five points
- Failure to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights: five points
Depending on the amount and severity of the violations, points can add up quickly on your record. However, you are also rewarded for good driving. You can get three points removed from your record for every 12 months that pass without additional violations.
What to Do If You Are Charged with a Traffic Violation in Pennsylvania
When you are given a ticket, the first thing you should do is check it over for accuracy. If any identifying information such as your name, date of birth, or driver’s license number is incorrect, you have ten days to contact the court to get the information changed. Unfortunately, these errors are not enough to get the ticket dismissed. If you fail to inform the court, you could incur additional fees.
Your next step should be to contact a highly-qualified traffic violations lawyer. Your lawyer can evaluate your options and help you fight your ticket. Paying the ticket is admitting guilt and consenting to any points on your record. Depending on how many points you have accrued, this could result in a rise in your insurance premiums.
Contact the Trusted Traffic Violations Lawyers at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, & Gifford, P.C.
Partnering with an experienced attorney is essential if you intend to fight a traffic ticket. The skilled attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, & Gifford, P.C. understand the complexities of Pennsylvania law and are committed to working tirelessly to reduce or eliminate all charges against you. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, call us today at (215) 822-7575 or complete our online contact form.
