TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS ATTORNEY IN LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA

In the state of Virginia, traffic violation offenses can include speeding, running a red light or a stop sign, expired registration, distracted driving, and improper lane changes. Penalties include traffic violation fines, demerit points, increased auto insurance rates, and license suspension.

An accumulation of traffic tickets and demerit points on your record may increase your auto insurance rates and put your driving privileges at risk. If you received a ticket for traffic violations or any other type of moving violation, seek the help of a knowledgeable Virginia traffic violations attorney immediately. Attorney Gordon Peters will fight to protect your rights and driving privileges.

Gordon Peters, Jr., Attorney at Law, is proud to serve clients in Lynchburg and Blackstone, Virginia, and the surrounding counties of Amherst County, Campbell County, Bedford County, and Nottoway County.

Understanding Traffic Violations in Virginia

Traffic violations occur when a driver or motor vehicle operator violates any law that regulates vehicle operation on highways and streets. Such traffic infractions or violations include speeding, reckless driving, running red lights, DUI, distracted driving, and driving with a suspended license.

Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations

In Virginia, traffic violations are categorized as either a moving violation or a non-moving violation.

Moving Violations

Moving violations include all crimes, infractions, and violations committed while the vehicle is in motion. For example, speeding, tailgating, reckless driving, running a stop sign, failure to yield, hit and run, and improper lane changes.

Non-Moving Violations

Non-moving violations are crimes, infractions, and violations that occur while your vehicle is not in motion. These infractions are usually related to parking violations, paperwork violations, and vehicle safety (faulty equipment) violations.

• Parking Violations: Examples of parking violations include parking in a no-parking zone, too close to the curb, in front of a fire hydrant, or in front of an expired meter.

• Paperwork Violations: An officer may pull you over for expired tags, an expired inspection sticker, driving with a suspended license, or without being licensed.

• Vehicle Safety or Faulty Equipment Violations: Examples include excessive muffler noise, broken mirrors, damaged head or tail lights, overly tinted windows, and taped-up windows.

Moving violations often carry much higher penalties than non-moving violations because these infractions may put pedestrians, other drivers, and road users at risk.

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties

An individual may receive a traffic ticket in Virginia for violating any traffic law. The various penalties and fines for traffic violations include:

Traffic Ticket Fines

Fines are often printed on the traffic tickets. In general, the driver will need to pay $6 for every mile over the speed limit. However, the amount may increase to $7 or $8, depending on the area or street you were driving.

Demerit Points

In Virginia, every traffic offense or speeding ticket comes with demerit points. Here is a simple breakdown of the point values of some common traffic tickets:

• Speeding (1-9 MPH above the limit), improper U-turn, no driver's license, improper passing – 3 points.

• Unsafe passing, reckless driving, tailgating, improper signal – 4 points.

• Racing, speeding in excess of 80 MPH, manslaughter, DUI, driving with a suspended license – 6 points.

The demerit points will be added to your driving record and will remain on the record for up to 2 years.

Increased Insurance Rates

Insurance companies in Virginia often have a point system. An accumulation of traffic tickets and demerit points on your record may increase your auto insurance rates.

Driving Record

If convicted for a traffic violation in Virginia, it will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The demerit points and the citation will go on your driving record.

License Suspension or Revocation

If you accumulate 18 demerit points in 12 months or 24 demerit points in 24 months, you could be facing license suspension or revocation.

Fighting a Traffic Violation

The fact that you got a speeding ticket or other traffic tickets doesn't mean you deserved one. Fighting a traffic violation may get the judge to reduce your fine or beat the ticket. You can fight a traffic violation by:

• Disputing or challenging the officer's view of what happened.

• Disputing the evidence against you.

• Proving that the conduct was a "mistake of fact."

• Proving that your action was legally justified.

• Proving that your conduct was necessary to avoid harm.

Why You Need an Experienced Lawyer

Fighting your traffic ticket or other traffic violations on your own can put you at risk of suffering the maximum penalties. With the citation and demerit points on your driving record, if convicted, you can lose your driving privileges and other future opportunities. If you have received a ticket in Virginia, retaining a knowledgeable traffic violations attorney is crucial. Attorney Gordon Peters can help you fight your Virginia traffic ticket and keep your driving record clean.