Minor traffic violations are relatively common. Many people habitually speed, occasionally fail to use their turn signals or conduct rolling stops at intersections. While people may view those choices as harmless, they constitute violations of the law.
Unlike serious crimes, most traffic violations lead to tickets or citations rather than criminal prosecution. Many motorists simply pay their tickets and then cope with all of the consequences for years afterward. What those people may have failed to consider is that they technically have the right to fight back against the ticket just like they could any other accusation of breaking the law. When people are aware of the secondary consequences of a recent citation, they may decide to fight the ticket instead of paying it.
What issues do people often experience after paying a ticket and effectively pleading guilty to a traffic violation?
Increased insurance costs
State law requires insurance coverage. Motorists have to carry both liability coverage and no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. The amount that they pay for their policy can increase substantially after just a single ticket. The average adult driver pays $4,088 annually for full coverage in Florida. Those with a recent ticket on their driving record may see their premiums increased by 16% to an average of $4,755. Those with multiple citations on their record may see an even more significant increase. In some cases, their insurance company may decline to renew their policy because they represent too much risk given the number of tickets they have received.
The loss of driving privileges
Retaining a driver’s license requires consistent compliance with the law. Motorists have to pay a fee and submit paperwork to renew their licenses. They also have to avoid committing too many serious traffic violations. State law allows for the suspension of a driver’s license in scenarios where people have accumulated too many points from traffic tickets. While the suspension may be temporary, it can complicate the motorist’s ability to get to work on time or meet the needs of their family members.
Professional consequences
Many people have to drive to perform their jobs. Some professionals must retain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A school bus driver, for example, needs to maintain a CDL to keep their job. Traffic violations can make people ineligible for a CDL, which can prevent them from continuing their employment. Many others drive occasionally for work even if it is not the primary function that they perform for their employers. A driver’s license suspension could prevent them from fulfilling job tasks. The record of their ticket could increase their employer’s insurance costs, leading to job consequences.
Those who choose to fight traffic tickets can potentially avoid the financial, practical and professional consequences that come from significant or repeat traffic violations. Defending against a recent traffic ticket can prove beneficial for people in a variety of different circumstances.
