Atlanta Traffic Lawyer, Sam McRae Law, Outlines the Georgia Point System

    ATLANTA, GA, September 17, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Georgia Point System assigns two to six points to driver's licenses depending on the seriousness of the violation and the potential danger it causes. A driver who receives 15 points in a 24 month period will have their license suspended. These points are given in addition to the fines assessed for traffic violations.

Points Assessed for Speeding

Sam McRae, a traffic attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, explains that points assessed for speeding convictions vary based on the number of miles over the speed limit. If you are cited for going less than 15 miles over the limit, or going "too fast for convictions," no points are assessed. Above that, the points vary depending on the number of miles per hour (mph) the driver was traveling over the posted speed limit:

- 15 to 18 mph: 2 points
- 19 to 23 mph: 3 points
- 24 to 33 mph: 4 points
- 34 mph or more: 6 points

Georgia also has something called a Super Speeder Law. A Super Speeder is someone convicted of driving 75 mph or more on a two-lane road, or 85 mph and above on any road or highway in the state. It carries an additional $200 state penalty in addition to local fines. Failure to pay that within 120 days will result in a license suspension.

Points Assessed for Other Traffic Violations

Points for other types of driving offenses also vary based on their seriousness and potential for danger. Here are some of the most common violations and their point value:

- Operating a Vehicle while Text Messaging or Violation of Wireless Telecommunication Device Requirements: 1 point
- Possessing an Open Container of an Alcoholic Beverage while Driving: 2 points
- Failure to Obey Police Officer or a Traffic-Control Device: 3 points
- Reckless Driving: 4 points
- Improper Passing on Hill or Curve: 4 points
- Aggressive Driving: : 6 points
- Unlawful Passing of a School Bus: 6 points

Harsher Penalties for Drivers Under 21

For younger drivers, the number of points required before your license is suspended is lower. Drivers between 18 and 20 years old with 15 points in a 24 month period or any one traffic offense worth four or more points will have their license suspended. A driver under 18 will have their license suspended for six months if they accumulate four points in a 12-month period.

Drivers under 21 who are convicted of particularly serious offenses receive an automatic six-month suspension. These include things like hit and run, racing, reckless or aggressive driving, evading an officer, driving under the influence (DUI) and even illegally purchasing alcohol.

Atlanta traffic lawyers warn that while DUI offenses do not result in points assessments, if you are convicted of a DUI offense, your license will be suspended and possibly revoked. The state requires completion of a DUI or other program before reinstating a license.

While Georgia does not offer "traffic school" as a means of removing violations from your record as they occur, residents can ask to take a certified Defensive Driving Program once every five years. If they successfully complete that, Georgia Department of Driver Service (DDS) will remove up to 7 points from their license.

Why You Should Dispute an Unwarranted Ticket

If you live in a metropolitan area like Atlanta, traffic tickets may seem like something you have to accept occasionally. However, in addition to the fine and the points, your rates for insurance will likely go up and it could even be cancelled if you have had other violations.

Atlanta traffic attorney Sam McRae says, "Many people assume that they can handle traffic court themselves, and do not want to hire a lawyer. However, when you consider all of the costs associated with a traffic violation, it is often financially worthwhile to hire a qualified traffic attorney who can help you get it dismissed or at least reduced. We are proud to have above a 90 percent success rate."

For more information on Sam McRae Law or to schedule a consultation, visit http://www.sammcraelaw.com.

About Sam McRae Law:

Sam McRae Law specializes in criminal defense and traffic ticket violations. With years of experience, Sam McRae has developed the expertise and relationships to resolve clients' traffic cases in an efficient and positive manner.

For more information, please visit http://www.sammcraelaw.com.

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