In Georgia, traffic offenses can have serious repercussions, ranging from increased insurance rates and hefty fines to possible jail time. If you or a loved one live in Georgia and have been charged with a traffic offense, it is important to contact an experienced traffic offense defense attorney who can help protect your interests.

Traffic Offenses

There are a number of traffic offense laws regulating the behavior of drivers on Georgia’s highways and roads. Unlike in most states, in Georgia, almost all traffic offenses are treated as misdemeanors. This means that everyone charged with a traffic offense in the state has the right to a trial by jury as well as due process of law. However, it also means that conviction for an offense is punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and one year in prison.

Some of the most commonly issues citations are for violations of a few specific laws, including:

• Speeding;
• Failing to yield;
• Running a red light or stop sign;
• Illegal U-turns;
• Improper lane changes;
• Following too closely;
• Failing to stop;
• Reckless driving;
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Failing to wear a seatbelt;
• Driving past a stopped school bus that is dropping off passengers;
• Driving without insurance; and
• Driving without a license.

Point Assessment

Every time a person is convicted of a traffic offense or pays a traffic citation, points are assessed to that person’s license. Accumulating 15 or more points over a two-year period will result in a license suspension. In Georgia, points are assessed as follows:

• Speeding 14 mph or less = 0 points;
• Speeding 15-18 mph = 2 points;
• Speeding 19-23 = 3 points;
• Speeding 24-33 = 4 points;
• Speeding 34 mph or over = 6 points;
• Reckless driving = 4 points;
• Unlawfully passing a school bus = 6 points;
• Operating a vehicle while text messaging = 1 point;
• Improper passing on a curve or hill = 4 points;
• Open container = 2 points;
• Failing to secure a load resulting in an accident = 2 points;
• General moving violations = 3 points; and
• Failing to obey a traffic control device = 3 points.

Being unfairly charged with a traffic offense can have serious financial and personal consequences, so if you or a loved one were recently issued a citation for violating one of Georgia’s traffic offense crimes, it is important to retain the services of an experienced traffic offense law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Please contact a member of our dedicated legal team at Thomas, Webb, and Willis LLC at (404) 250-1113 to schedule a free consultation.