Philadelphia Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Speeding tickets can be far more costly than you might think. Aside from the hefty fines that typically accompany speeding tickets, you may experience increased insurance rates, points on your license, and an eventual suspension of your driving privileges. These potential consequences could make contacting a Philadelphia speeding ticket lawyer crucial whenever you have received a ticket for speeding or another moving violation.

While many people pay the ticket without further thought, you should take the time to consider the impact of the ticket on your future regarding your current driving record. Especially if you are nearing the maximum number of points that you could have before suffering penalties, you may want to consult a skilled criminal defense lawyer for advice before making any decisions.

Speeding Tickets and Points in Philadelphia

Under Pennsylvania Law, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has the authority to assess points to the records of drivers who receive speeding tickets or commit moving violations. The number of these points vary according to the nature of the moving violation and, in the case of speeding tickets, the number of miles per hour over the speed limit at the time of the tickets. Once drivers accrue six points, drivers could receive penalties from PennDOT.

PennDOT will assess points for a speeding ticket beginning with two points for drivers who were driving six to ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit. At the other end of the spectrum, PennDOT will assess five points for drivers speeding 26 or more miles per hour over the posted speed limit. If drivers were speeding 31 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, then they must attend a PennDOT hearing to discuss license suspension; failure to participate in that hearing could result in an automatic 60-day license suspension.

The rules are different for active work or school zones. In these areas, drivers could receive speeding tickets for driving as little as one mile per hour over the posted speed limits. As a speeding ticket attorney in Philadelphia may advise, if individuals receive a speeding ticket while driving in an active work zone, they also will receive an automatic 15-day license suspension.

Consequences of Points for Drivers

Consequences for drivers from PennDOT begin after they accumulate six or more points. On the first occasion that they accrue six or more points, they must complete a written exam with a passing score within 30 days, which eliminates two points from their driving records. Otherwise, PennDOT will suspend their licenses until they pass the exam.

When drivers reach six points or more a second time, PennDOT conducts a hearing as to whether to suspend their licenses for 15 days. Failure to appear at this hearing could result in a 60-day license suspension. Drivers in this situation also must take a driving test to maintain their licenses.

The third accumulation of six points or more will result in another license suspension hearing before PennDOT, and drivers who do not appear will have an indefinite license suspension until they attend a hearing. If at any time drivers reach 11 points or more, they may be subject to an automatic license suspension. Drivers who are in this situation may need legal advice from a seasoned attorney in Philadelphia.

Consult with a Philadelphia Speeding Ticket Attorney Today

Focusing on your future can mean being aware of your driving record and how it can impact your finances, as well as your ability to drive legally. A single speeding ticket could have long-lasting financial repercussions that may affect you for some time to come. A Philadelphia speeding ticket lawyer may be able to discuss your available options and work toward your goals.

Before you pay a speeding ticket, you owe it to yourself to consider all alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, you may find that you could lessen the impact of a speeding ticket on your life. Having legal counsel at your side throughout any PennDOT and traffic court proceedings could be instrumental to your positive resolution of this matter. Call today to schedule a consultation.