Traffic Offenses and Georgia Point System

Georgia operates under a point system. In short, a licensed Georgia driver over 21 years of age is permitted to accrue up to 15 points in a consecutive 24 month period before their Georgia Drivers' License will be suspended. The suspension is for 6 months, during which time the driver may be allowed a limited permit to drive subject to certain restrictions.

If you are under 21 years of age, there are special rules that apply. Please see the Under 21 page for questions pertaining to drivers under 21 years of age.

Georgia Speeding Tickets

Of course, the most common driving offense for which persons receive tickets are speeding offenses. Most persons charged with ONLY speeding offenses DO NOT hire an attorney. This is due to the fact that the likelihood of winning such cases is so low and that a fine is usually the worst punishment that can occur. However, if you are under 21 or were ticketed for speeding more than 30 miles over the speed limit, you may still want to consult with one of our attorneys to make sure your driving privileges will not be taken away for speeding.

Speeding

Below are the values associated with specific speed violations:

If you were
ticketed going...

Then you may receive the following
points on your Drivers License

0 - 14 mph

0

15 - 18 mph

2

19 - 23 mph

3

24 - 33 mph

4

34+ mph

6

Traffic Violations

Below are the point values associated with specific traffic violations:

Traffic Violations

Points

Too fast for conditions

0

HOV lane violation - 4th and subsequent offense.
1

Possessing an open container
2

Failure to secure load
2

Disobedience of a traffic control device/officer
3

All other moving violations
3

Improper passing on a hill/curve
4

Reckless Driving
4

Unlawful passing of school bus
6

Aggressive Driving
(A conviction of aggressive driving by a person
under 21 years of age will result in a suspension
of the driver's license.)
6

Violation of child safety restraint (1st offense)
1

Violation of child safety restraint (2nd offense)
2

Violation of child safety restraint (3rd offense)
3

Mandatory Suspension of License

In addition to point violations, there are also certain traffic violations that Georgia law treats as serious traffic offenses. These violations (see below) carry a mandatory license suspension regardless of how many points are on the driving record. The suspension is for 6 months and the driver is NOT eligible for a limited driving permit. If you have been charged with any of the listed traffic violations below, call us immediately to speak to an attorney at Plichta & Associates, P.C. in order to begin the process of representing you at the earliest possible moment.

Serious Traffic Violations

Homicide by vehicle.
Any felony in which a motor vehicle is used.
Hit and Run or leaving the scene of an accident.
Racing on highways and streets.
Using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer.
Fraudulent or fictitious use of a license or for submitting fraudulent material when applying for a license.
Driving with a revoked or suspended license.
Driving a vehicle without automobile insurance.
A conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Conviction for driving without insurance is a 60/90-day suspension.
If you fail to appear in court or respond to a citation, your license may be suspended indefinitely.
Your driver's license will be suspended if you are convicted of possession, distribution, manufacture, cultivation, sale or transfer of a controlled substance or marijuana.
If you have accumulated 15 points within 24 months under the point system, including violations committed out of state.

For drivers who have had their license suspended for points or serious traffic violations, it is important for you to know that the suspension will not begin UNTIL the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety receives your drivers' license. If you do not have your license, a sworn affidavit must be completed and presented to the DMVS. In order for the drivers’ license to be reinstated after the suspension period, you must complete a defensive driving course and pay a substantial reinstatement fee.

For further questions, call to speak to an attorney at Plichta & Associates, P.C.

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