Pennsylvania Traffic Offenses: Legal Counsel For Driving Violations
In Pennsylvania, points are critical to your driving privileges. Getting points from traffic tickets can lead to required hearings or, in severe cases, license suspensions. Serving clients in Cranberry Township (Butler County) and the neighboring Allegheny and Beaver counties, I am a traffic ticket attorney at Robert S. Andrews, Jr. Attorney at Law dedicated to helping you challenge citations and protect your legal driving status.
Pennsylvania State’s Point System
In Pennsylvania, each violation adds points to your driving record, and these points add up quickly, triggering serious penalties. Even seemingly minor infractions, like exceeding the speed limit by just a few miles per hour, can have lasting impacts.
Pennsylvania’s point system assigns different values to various violations:
- Speeding (6-10 mph over): Two points
- Failing to stop at a red light: Three points
- Unsafe passing: Three points
- Overspeeding (11-plus mph over): Three to five points, depending on speed
- Texting while driving: Two points
When you reach six points for the first time, you must pass a written exam. Your second time reaching six points requires attending a departmental hearing. Reaching six points a third time automatically leads to a 30-day license suspension. Points reduction is possible after 12 consecutive months of safe driving, but the initial violations remain on your record.
Why Minor Violations Deserve Major Attention
Getting a traffic ticket means more than just points. You’ll have to pay fines ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars, plus court costs. If you drive for a living, a ticket can threaten your livelihood. Your insurance premiums will probably increase, and that extra cost can add up to much more than the ticket itself over the years.
Concerned About Your Driving Record? Here Are Answers To Common Questions
In my nearly 35 years as a traffic ticket attorney, I’ve encountered many recurring questions. Below, you’ll find helpful answers to some of the frequent ones.
Can a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Insurance companies regularly check driving records and can increase premiums after traffic violations. Even a single speeding ticket can raise your annual premium by hundreds of dollars, making professional legal defense financially sensible in the long run.
How many points can I accumulate before I lose my license in Pennsylvania?
As mentioned above, a single traffic offense may affect your insurance rates in Pennsylvania. At six points (third occurrence), your license is suspended for 30 days. Accumulating 11 or more points at any time results in automatic license suspension.
What’s the difference between a summary offense and a misdemeanor traffic violation?
Summary offenses are minor traffic violations such as speeding and running stop signs. You may pay fines and incur points for these offenses, but you won’t go to jail for them. Misdemeanor traffic violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI) or causing injuries, are more serious offenses that appear on criminal records.
Traffic Court Representation From A Defense Lawyer
Having a few points on your driving record may seem trifling, but the closer you get to six, the greater the risk of license suspension. If you have points on your record, treat every new ticket seriously, since additional points could ultimately lead to you losing your driving privileges. If you have received a traffic ticket, an experienced traffic ticket attorney can analyze every aspect of your case to identify potential defenses, including radar calibration issues and procedural errors.
Call 724-460-0400 or complete this online form to get started on resolving your traffic ticket matter. I can meet you at my Pittsburgh office for a consultation if needed.