Fredericksburg County Traffic Lawyer

The state’s strict traffic laws help keep the roads safer for all drivers. The law categorizes most traffic violations as infractions, which can result in costly fines and demerit points added to your driver’s license. 

However, some traffic violations may result in misdemeanor or felony charges, which a criminal defense attorney could help you navigate. In addition to carrying costly fines, a traffic infraction can interfere with your driving privileges and lead to considerably higher insurance premiums in the future. If you are facing a pending traffic charge, our Fredericksburg County traffic lawyer, Karin Riley Porter, may be able to help you. 

What Are the Common State Traffic Violations?

Virginia state law classifies traffic violations based on the number of demerit points on your driver’s license. As driving is a privilege rather than a right, a traffic attorney in Fredericksburg County could help you understand how accumulating too many points may result in a license suspension. The state point system divides traffic infractions into three-point, four-point, and six-point violations.

Three-Point Violations

Three-point violations are the least serious, but they still carry consequences since every point on your license can lead to lasting repercussions. An example of a three-point infraction is speeding 1 to 9 miles per hour over the posted speed limit or the safe driving speed given the road or weather conditions. Other examples include driving without headlights after dark and failing to use turn signals when required by law.

Speeding is the most common driving infraction in Virginia and across the nation. It is also among the most dangerous, contributing to about a third of all traffic fatalities in the country over the past two decades. 

Four-Point Violations

Four-point violations apply to more serious infractions. Examples include driving 10 to 19 miles per hour over the speed limit or the safe driving speed given the conditions, failing to stop for a pedestrian, tailgating, and passing unsafely.

Six-Point Violations

Six-point traffic violations are the most serious, carrying the most points against your driver’s license and often resulting in a criminal charge. These violations include driving under the influence, driving with a revoked license, reckless driving, and vehicular manslaughter. 

Most six-point violations can stay on your record for up to 11 years. Some offenses, such as driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence, are permanent. 

Points for Safe Driving

In the state, you can also earn points for driving safely. For every calendar year that you hold an active state driver’s license without violations, you receive one safe driving point. You can accumulate up to five points on your record, and these points can strengthen your defense in the face of a traffic charge. 

Your Driving Privileges After a Traffic Violation

While six-point violations often carry criminal charges in addition to points on your record, every demerit against your license counts. In Virginia, an adult who accumulates 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months faces an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Some driving charges result in immediate license suspension or even revocation, regardless of the number of points accumulated, like driving without a license and fleeing the scene of a fatal accident. 

Losing your driving privileges can impact your ability to work, fulfill your parental responsibilities, and maintain full independence. You should not take your driving privileges in Fredericksburg County for granted, which is why having a trusted traffic infraction attorney on your side could be crucial. 

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Fredericksburg County Traffic Attorney Today

Karin Riley Porter is a Fredericksburg County traffic lawyer with extensive experience helping clients minimize license points and costly consequences. Contact Ms. Porter of Price Benowitz today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how she may be able to help you.