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Following up our last blog on the breakdown of traffic offenses, it is essential for drivers to understand which traffic laws are frequently violated in Arizona and the impact of their point value on one’s record. Even traffic violations that are not consciously committed, such as forgetting a driver’s license at home, accumulate points. This can be very damaging to one’s record over time. Consequently, understanding the importance of Arizona’s traffic point system is crucial.
Frequently violated traffic laws, whether knowingly committed or not, include the following:
- Wide turns
- Neglected signals
- Incomplete stops at traffic signs
- Speeding
- Unsecure seatbelts
- Carpool lane utilization when driving alone
- Not stopping for school buses
- Driving without an ID
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without registration
- Texting while driving
- Aggressive driving
As illustrated, these actions are easily targeted by police officers; reasons for getting pulled over are endless. It may become difficult to keep track of all the laws and regulations while on the road, which can ultimately lead to a ticket.
Driving violations that result in a ticket are usually between two and eight points. To explain, the more points that an individual receives from traffic offenses, the worse their driving record becomes. For instance, speeding is worth three points while aggressive driving is worth eight points. Accruing these numbers over a certain amount of time can result in a suspended driver’s license. This is usually after eight or more points have been earned. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Traffic school courses offer the individual the opportunity to redeem themselves, lose some of the points accumulated, and keep their license.
There are also some traffic violations that are not included in the point system, but must still be compensated for. These include non-moving offenses such as parking tickets or broken lights.
When given a traffic ticket, there are two options: plead guilty or not guilty. Pleading guilty means that the individual will pay the fine printed on the ticket while accepting the point accumulation to their record. Pleading not guilty, however, is where legal representation comes into play. Criminal lawyers are trained to deal with specific traffic offenses. Collaborating with a professional can prevent payment of the ticket fine, clear points on the license, and avoid the potential for a license suspension.
If you have been charged with violating a traffic law, the Blumenreich Law Firm can help. Improve your chances of a clean record by letting us represent your case. Give us a call today at 602-252-2570.