In Pennsylvania, driver behavior is monitored using a point system. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDot) tracks moving violations utilizing this approach. If you have been charged with violating a traffic offense the criminal defense attorneys in West Chester, PA can help.
PennDot Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has driving records for every licensed driver in the state. They keep up with information such as the following:
- Driving history
- Vehicle information
- Accidents
When convicted of a traffic offense, points are added to the motorist’s driving record. Citations have different point values. And as they accumulate, the penalties become steeper. Some of these penalties include:
- Higher insurance premiums
- Loss of driver’s license
- Loss of career for commercial drivers
The state’s point system can be confusing. Ciccarelli Law Firm has experts in traffic laws in the West Chester area, so if you need help navigating the confusing point system, they should be your first call.
Traffic Violations and the Points That They Carry
The point system was created so that high-risk drivers could be identified. Insurance companies penalize drivers with points, which provides some incentive to drive safely. Here are some common traffic violations and the number of issues assigned to them.
Low Point Violations
These violations add between two and three points to your driving record:
- Driving too fast for conditions carries a two-point penalty.
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk equals two points on your driving record.
- You will receive a three-point penalty if you fail to stop at a red light or stop sign.
- Following two closely behind another motorist can result in a 3-point penalty.
- Illegal U-turns and Careless driving will both see you facing a 3-point penalty.
- Speeding is another way to have points added to your driving record. If you are traveling 6 to 10 MPH above the speed limit, you will have earned yourself 2 points. Traveling between 11 and 15 MPH will land you with a three-point penalty.
High Point Violations
These violations lead to steeper penalties, usually between four and five points. They are as follows:
- Driving over the speed limit at higher speeds.
- 16 to 25 MPH is a penalty of four points
- 26 to 30 MPH over the speed limit will land the motorist with 5 points
- 31 MPH or more over the speed limit is a 5-point penalty as well
- Not stopping at a railroad crossing is a 4-point penalty
- If an accident causes property damage and the motorist leaves the scene, he can expect a 4-point penalty.
- Failure to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing results in a 5-point penalty
Of course, there are many more potential points violations. But this is basically how the system works. If you accumulate six points, your driving privileges are in jeopardy. It is best not to allow it to ever get to that point.
West Chester, Pennsylvania Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney
There are ways to clean your driving record up. And that’s important to do before you find yourself with a suspended license and skyrocketing insurance premiums to pay each month. Contacting Ciccarelli Law Offices is your best move. They understand the situation and can help you navigate the point system in the most beneficial way possible.