Traffic Tickets: Minor Violations Can Cause Major Problems

BY EDDIE FISHMAN | HOPKINS & HUEBNER, P.C. | ADEL OFFICE

Traffic tickets can cause big issues for you and your driver’s license. The department of transportation can suspend your license if you are convicted of three or more countable moving violations within a twelve-month period.

A moving violation means all violations of motor vehicle laws except:

(1) violations of equipment standards to be maintained for motor vehicles
(2) certain parking violations
(3) certain child restraint and safety belt and harness violations
(4) violations of registration, weight and dimension laws
(5) operating with an expired license
(6) failure to appear
(7) disturbing the peace with a motor vehicle
(8) certain violations regarding the failure to provide proof of financial liability coverage.

Also, in determining if you have committed three countable moving violations within a twelve-month period, the department of transportation cannot count the first two speeding violations within any twelve-month period of ten miles per hour or less over the legal speed limit in speed zones having a legal limit between thirty-four miles per hour and fifty-six miles per hour.  The department of transportation will also not consider certain violations for improper use of a cell phone while driving.

Typically, the minimum length of a license suspension for three countable moving violation convictions in a twelve-month period is ninety days. The typical minimum length of a license suspension for four countable moving violation convictions in a twelve-month period is one hundred-twenty days; five countable moving violation convictions in a twelve-month period  is one hundred-fifty days; six countable moving violation convictions in a twelve-month period is one hundred-eighty days; and seven countable moving violation convictions or more in a twelve-month period is one year.   

The fine associated with a traffic ticket can also cause you headaches. Not paying a fine after being convicted of a driving ticket will cause your driver’s license to be suspended. However, you can enter an installment plan with certain county attorney offices to have the suspension lifted and your driver’s license reinstated.

If your license is suspended, your problems can get even worse. Three driving under suspension convictions in a six year period will designate you as a habitual offender. The punishment for driving as a habitual offender is up to two years in prison.  

It is always important to handle each traffic ticket seriously. It is recommended to seek out a trusted attorney to assist you in making sure traffic tickets have minimal effects on your license.