Traffic citations are issued with seemingly greater frequency. Some suggest municipalities employ ramped up enforcement as a revenue raising tool, while others point to the pace of modern life and increased driver distraction, yet the increase in number of tickets may simply be a product of more drivers on the road. In any case, if you drive regularly, there is an increasing probability you will receive a traffic ticket, and you should be aware what options you have in dealing with the matter.

The Nature of the Ticket

Traffic charges are most commonly classified as infractions, however, more serious violations result in misdemeanor or even felony charges. Infractions are the least serious, and a conviction carries only monetary penalties with no incarceration or probation possible under California law. However, an accumulation of multiple tickets raises the specter of loss of license.

Moving Violation Penalties

A moving violation, that is, a violation of the vehicle code committed by the driver while the vehicle is in motion, comes with an assessment of points that becomes part of your driving record. Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets, for example, carry no point assessment penalty. Based on the specific traffic violation, you will be assessed either one or two points. You are also assessed one point for an at-fault accident. According to the following table, acquiring too many points can result in a suspension or revocation of your license:

• Four points in a 12 month period
• Six points in a 24 month period
• Eight points in a 36 month period

In addition to the points, a traffic ticket conviction requires the payment of monetary sanctions. Although the base fine amount may be relatively low, the state has added penalty assessments and fees that exponentially increases the total amount owed. For example, a base fine on a moving violation may be $35, but the total assessment could be $238.

Although not a penalty imposed by statute, you are legally required to carry auto insurance, and you can expect an increase in your premiums. It is not unusual to see a rate hike of between 10 and 15 percent on a first conviction.

Traffic School

You may qualify for traffic school under the following conditions:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• The citation was for a moving violation
• No attendance of traffic school within the previous 18 months
• Judicial approvalIf you do attend traffic school, you are still responsible for payment of the total fines, fees and penalties, and you must pay to attend traffic school. The benefit of traffic school is that your insurance company will not learn of the offense.

Hiring an Orange County Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you are facing serious penalties such as the loss of your license or jail time, you need legal representation. But the financial consequences for any ticket can be prohibitively steep, and you may wish to explore your options with experienced counsel before you plead guilty and pay the fine.