Georgia Traffic Violation Point System
It is not only major traffic violations that can result in a Georgia driver's license getting suspended. Even minor violations can add up to result in a suspended or revoked license. The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) records traffic violations, and assigns each violation a number of points. If a driver accumulates enough points over a 24 month period, then DDS will suspend their license.
Major traffic violations may result in an automatic suspension, even when the driver has an otherwise clean record. Serious violations include driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs; hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident; or even racing. Without having to accumulate points, these violations result in an automatic license suspension.
Point Accumulation
Different violations are assigned different point values, ranging from 1 to 6 points each. Convictions for Aggressive Driving or Unlawful Passing a School Bus account for 6 points each, while possessing an open container of alcohol is a 2 point violation. For some violations, such as speeding, the number of points depend on how fast the driver was going over the speed limit. 15 to 18 miles per hour over the limit is 2 points, 19 to 23 mph over the limit is 3 points, 24 to 33 mph over the limit is 4 points, and 34 or more miles per hour over the limit is a 6 point violation.
Minor violations can add up over time to result in a suspended license. For adult drivers, they can accumulate 15 points over two years (24 months) before they will have their license suspended. However, driver's under the age of 18 are at a much greater risk of losing their license after traffic violations because they have a much stricter point schedule. Drivers under 18 can only have 4 points before their license gets suspended, which can be triggered by only 1 minor traffic violation.
Drivers may request DDS to reduce the number of points against their license, limited to 7 points every 5 years. This is done by successfully completing a certified Driver Improvement course, and submitting the certificate to DDS.
If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, the time period you will have to wait before you get your license back will depend on a number of factors, including the seriousness of the violations, the number of points, and the age of the driver. In almost all cases, it will require waiting out a minimum time period, paying for reinstatement, and in some cases, completing driver education courses.
Atlanta DUI Violation Lawyer
If you or a loved one were been arrested for driving under the influence in the Atlanta area, your license will be automatically suspended. DUI arrests result in a suspension even without having to add up to 15 points over a 24 month period. The only way to stop the administrative license suspension is to file a hearing request within 30 days. Call me today, and I will file a 30-day letter so you can keep your license to drive. I have successfully represented hundreds of clients facing a suspended license, and I will fight for you to keep your record clear.