A traffic citation in Gwinnett County can feel minor in the moment, but the consequences, such as points on your license, higher insurance premiums, a court appearance, and the risk of suspension, can quickly add up. Philip Kim Law represents drivers across Lawrenceville and Gwinnett County in traffic matters, reviewing citations carefully, identifying options for reduction or dismissal, and protecting your ability to drive.
How Do Traffic Violations Work in Georgia?
In Georgia, paying a traffic ticket is treated as an admission of guilt.
That admission goes on your driving record, adds points, and can trigger insurance premium increases that last for years. For some violations, the consequences extend beyond higher insurance costs to license suspension, employment complications, and for commercial drivers, a potential CDL disqualification.
Georgia uses a point system administered by the Department of Driver Services (DDS). Accumulating 15 or more points within a 24-month period triggers an automatic license suspension. Some violations carry enhanced penalties, particularly those occurring in school zones or construction zones, and drivers under 21 face stricter consequences, including automatic suspension for certain offenses.
Acting early provides more flexibility. Addressing the citation before a plea is entered gives an attorney the opportunity to review the evidence, identify procedural issues, and explore alternatives that may reduce or eliminate points and the long-term impact on your record.
Georgia’s Traffic Point System
Understanding how points work helps illustrate what is at stake with even a single citation:
- 15+ mph over the speed limit: 2 points
- Aggressive driving: 3 points
- Reckless driving: 4 points
- Unlawful passing of a school bus: 6 points
- Speeding 34+ mph over the limit: 6 points
- Hit and run: 6 points
A license suspended due to points requires a reinstatement process through Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS), which can include fees, a waiting period, and in some cases a hearing. Avoiding suspension by managing points is always preferable to reinstatement after the fact.
Traffic Violations and Your Insurance
Insurance companies review driving records and adjust premiums based on violations. A single at-fault accident or moving violation can increase rates for three to five years depending on the insurer and the severity of the offense.
Reckless driving, DUI, and hit-and-run convictions can result in the largest increases, or even policy cancellation. Avoiding a conviction or reducing the charge before entering a plea is almost always preferable to managing the insurance consequences after the fact.
What Happens After You Receive a Traffic Ticket in Georgia
Facing Traffic Violation Charges? Contact Us Today
Common Traffic Violations We Handle in Georgia
Philip Kim Law handles the full range of traffic violations in Gwinnett County, from standard citations to serious misdemeanor charges. Several of the most consequential traffic offenses include:
- Reckless Driving – A misdemeanor criminal offense under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390 carrying up to 12 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and 4 points. It creates a criminal record, not just a driving record entry, and demands a different level of defense than a standard citation.
- Suspended License – Driving while suspended carries mandatory minimum jail time and escalating felony penalties for repeat offenses. Philip Kim Law handles both the defense of the criminal charge and the reinstatement process to restore driving privileges.
- No Licence Charges – A charge that carries the same mandatory minimum penalties as driving while suspended, with a permanent criminal record and no limited driving permit available upon conviction.
Additional violations handled include:
- Speeding
- Following too closely / tailgating
- Improper lane changes and failure to yield
- Failure to stop or running a red light
- Passing a stopped school bus
- No proof of insurance
- Hit and run
- CDL violations
Options That May Be Available for Your Citation
Depending on the violation, your driving history, and the specific court, options may include:
- Dismissal: When the citation contains procedural errors, the evidence is insufficient, or the officer’s basis for the stop was questionable.
- Reduction to a lesser violation: Negotiating a lower charge that carries fewer points or no points and a lesser insurance impact.
- Defensive driving course: Georgia allows eligible drivers to complete an approved course to reduce points on their license once every five years.
- Nolo contendere plea: A nolo plea may avoid a point assessment in some circumstances and can sometimes be used strategically, though it counts as a conviction for insurance purposes.
- Continuance: In some cases, delaying the case while conditions are met can lead to a more favorable resolution.
What Our Clients Say
Our clients come to us from across Gwinnett County facing some of the most stressful moments of their lives – and we are proud to have made a difference.
Why You Need a Traffic Violations Attorney in Georgia
Local court familiarity:
Traffic cases in Gwinnett County are heard across multiple courts with different prosecutors and procedures. Knowing how each court handles specific violations helps in preparing the most effective response.
Understanding of the point system and insurance impact:
Evaluating the full consequences of a citation, not just the fine, allows for more informed decisions about how to proceed.
Negotiation on your behalf:
An attorney can appear in court, review the evidence, identify weaknesses in the case, and negotiate for a reduced charge or alternative resolution without requiring you to miss work or manage the process yourself.
Areas We Serve
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Violations in Georgia
View All FAQsWhat happens if I just pay my traffic ticket?
Paying a traffic ticket in Georgia is treated as an admission of guilt. Points are assessed to your driving record, your insurance company is notified, and premiums may increase. For some violations, paying without contesting the ticket may also put your license at risk if you are close to the 15-point threshold.
Do I have to appear in court for a traffic ticket?
It depends on the violation. Many non-criminal traffic infractions can be resolved by mail or online. However, some citations, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and other misdemeanor charges, require a court appearance. An attorney can often appear on your behalf for citations that allow it.
What is a Super Speeder in Georgia?
Georgia’s Super Speeder law imposes an additional $200 state fee on drivers convicted of speeding at 85 mph or more on any road or 75 mph or more on a two-lane road. Failure to pay the fee within 120 days results in a license suspension. This is separate from any fine imposed by the local court.
Can a defensive driving school remove points from my license?
Georgia allows eligible drivers to complete a state-approved defensive driving course to have up to 7 points removed from their driving record. This option is available once every five years and does not apply to all violations. It is a separate tool from contesting or reducing the citation itself.
How long do points stay on my Georgia driving record?
Points in Georgia remain on your driving record for 24 months from the date of the offense for purposes of the license suspension threshold. However, the violation itself may remain visible on your record for longer periods, depending on the type of record and who is reviewing it.
Will a traffic ticket show on my criminal background check?
Civil infractions typically don’t appear on criminal checks. But criminal traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, DUI, suspended license, are criminal convictions that appear on background checks.
Protect Your Rights As a Driver
Contact Our Traffic Violation Attorneys Today
Every ticket you pay is a guilty plea, and the points, premium increases, and license risk that follow are real costs. Philip Kim Law fights traffic violations across Gwinnett County because the outcome of your case doesn’t have to be decided against you.
Contact us today at (678) 273-3500 to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.
