With the amount of time Southern California drivers spend on the road, the chances of committing a traffic offense may increase. Traffic offenses can result in hefty fines, higher auto insurance premiums, and even driver’s license suspension.
If you have received a ticket, it is best to contact a Los Angeles traffic lawyer right away. Our seasoned defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have over 40 years of combined traffic citation defense experience. We know precisely how to fight driving offenses ranging from minor infractions to serious felony cases. Our strong advocacy typically results in dropped or reduced charges, saving our clients money, stress, and inconvenience.
Types of Traffic Offenses
When a driver violates the California Vehicle Code or CVC, they can be issued a traffic citation. The California Vehicle Code details the rules of the road relating to the operation, registration, and ownership of vehicles. Some examples of common traffic offenses include:
- Driving under the influence
- Reckless driving
- Speeding
- Traffic signal violation
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a license
- Street racing
- Using a cell phone while driving
- Carpool/HOV violations
- Evading a police officer
- Hit and run
Depending on the traffic violence, an attorney in Los Angeles could explain your legal options.
Traffic Signal Violations
One of the most common motor vehicle violations is a traffic signal infraction. According to California Vehicle Code 21453 CVC, all drivers:
- Must stop at a red light
- Can make a left turn on a steady circular red signal, but only while driving on a one-way street
- Can turn right on circular red lights
- Must stop at a steady red arrow light
Red light tickets come with steep fines of anywhere from $300 to $500 as well as a point on the motorist’s DMV driving record. Additionally, failing to pay a traffic signal ticket could result in a misdemeanor failure to appear charge and a possible bench warrant.
DMV Driving Record
Each time an individual gets a traffic ticket or causes a motor vehicle accident, points are added to his or her driving record. The California Department of Motor Vehicles implemented a point system to monitor a driver’s unsafe or risky driving behavior. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the infraction, the DMV will either add one or two points to the driver’s record. If the motorist exceeds a certain number of points, their driver’s license will be suspended. A person can be considered a “negligent driver” and have their driving privileges taken away if they receive:
- Four points within a one-year period
- Six points in a two-year period
- Eight points in a three-year period
A lawyer in Los Angeles could explain how a certain traffic violation may impact your DMV driving record.
Speak with a Los Angeles Traffic Attorney
If you have received a traffic ticket, we urge you to contact our qualified Los Angeles traffic lawyers for a free consultation. We could assist you by explaining your legal rights and options, appearing in court on your behalf, performing a detailed investigation into the alleged incident, and negotiating skillfully to have your ticket reduced or dismissed. At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, we understand how essential a clean driving record is, especially to a California motorist. We are committed to pursuing every legal avenue to preserve your driving privileges and get you the best outcome, given the circumstances.