How Traffic Offenses Impact Insurance Rates and License Status
Traffic offenses can have serious repercussions, not only in terms of fines and penalties but also in how they affect your insurance rates and your ability to maintain a valid driver’s license. In Pennsylvania, traffic violations are assigned points, which accumulate on your driving record. Understanding the implications of these points is crucial for drivers in Ligonier, PA, and beyond. The Law Office of Corey J. Riddell is here to help you navigate these complexities and protect your driving privileges.
The Point System in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania employs a point system to track and penalize traffic violations. Each traffic offense has a specific number of points assigned to them, depending on the severity of the violation. For instance, speeding can add anywhere from two to five points to your record, while more serious offenses like reckless driving can add more. Accumulating points can lead to increased insurance premiums, mandatory driving courses, and even the suspension of your driver’s license.
Potential Loss of License
Accumulating too many points on your driving record can also result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. In Pennsylvania, if you accumulate six points, you could have to take a written exam on safe driving practices. Failing to pass this exam or accumulating additional points can lead to further penalties. Reaching 11 points results in an automatic license suspension, the length of which depends on your driving history and the number of prior suspensions.
Legal Assistance and Defense
Facing traffic offenses and the potential consequences can be overwhelming. Seeking legal assistance is crucial to protecting your driving privileges and minimizing the impact on your insurance rates. At The Law Office of Corey J. Riddell, we provide expert legal defense for traffic offenses, helping you navigate the legal system and work towards the best possible outcome.
Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
Simply stated the rules of the road are applied differently for people who have a Commercial Driver License. It is extremely important to understand the consequences a traffic violation will have on a CDL driver. What may be a no point violation for a non-commercial driver; may be a serious violation for a person who has a CDL.
For example, a non-commercial driver gets cited for travelling 15 mph over the posted speed limit, he/she will be subject to a fine and potentially points on his/her license. If a CDL driver gets the same citation, not only is he/she subject to points and a fine, but under the Federal CDL guidelines, 15 mph or more over the speed limit is classified as a serious offense. Serious offenses stay on your record for 3 years and if you get another serious violation within that timeframe; the CDL can be disqualified(suspended) for a period of 60 days.
THIS IS YOUR LIVELIHOOD, PROTECT IT
For more on traffic offenses, call The Law Office of Corey J. Riddell at (724) 238-7296. We are happy to discuss traffic offenses.
