Georgia Traffic Offenses that Can Suspend Your Drivers License

Most traffic offenses are misdemeanor charges, however, there are some traffic offenses that can lead to an automatic suspension of your driver's license, upon conviction. In the state of Georgia, several specific traffic violations can result in an immediate driver's license suspension upon being found guilty. Some of these offenses include:

• Homicide by Vehicle
• Serious Injury by Vehicle
• Racing
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude
• DUI Child Endangerment
• No Proof of Insurance
• Driving on a Suspended License
• Hit and Run
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• Habitual Violator
• Operating a Vehicle with Revoked, Cancelled, or Suspended Registration
• Reckless Stunt Driving
• Conviction for Any Felony Involving Motor Vehicle Use

The duration of license suspension can vary from 60 days to several years. Alongside license suspension, numerous other penalties, such as incarceration, fines, community service, probation, and the installation of an ignition interlock device, can coincide with a conviction.

For drivers aged 18 and above, accumulating over 15 points within a 24-month timeframe can also trigger a license suspension. This means that even if you haven't been charged with any of the aforementioned offenses, multiple convictions for various traffic violations could still lead to a license suspension.

If you or a loved one are facing charges for any of the above-mentioned offenses, it's important to consider more than just the potential license suspension. Reach out to our experienced team of Georgia Traffic Violation Attorneys for a comprehensive case evaluation.

Drivers Under 18 Years of Age

For drivers under 18 in Georgia, accumulating 4 points within a consecutive 12-month period leads to a license suspension. Aonviction of a 4-point offense can also automatically trigger a 6-month suspension. Reinstating the license after this period requires completing a Defensive Driving class, retaking the driver's exam, and paying a reinstatement fee.

Several scenarios can automatically lead to license suspension for drivers under 18:

• Conviction of speeding between 15-18 mph over the speed limit along with failure to maintain lane.
• Speeding over 15 mph in combination with passing in a no-pass zone.
• Reckless Driving conviction.

No matter the circumstances, our experienced Georgia DUI and Traffic Ticket Lawyers can provide guidance and potential defenses against a license suspension. Don't assume there are no options—there are always strategies to save your license.

Drivers Aged 18 to 20

Drivers aged 18 to 20 in Georgia face slightly less stringent penalties than those under 18. They can accumulate up to 15 points within a 24-month period before a suspension is imposed. However, a single conviction for a traffic offense worth 4 or more points will result in a license suspension.

Drivers Under 21 Years of Age

For Georgia drivers under 21 years old, there are several offenses that can result in an automatic 6-month license suspension upon conviction:

• Hit and Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Racing
• Fleeing or Attempting to Elude
• Reckless Driving
• Unlawful Passing of a School Bus
• Improper Passing on a Hill or Curve
• Exceeding the Speed Limit by 24 mph or More
• Driving Under the Influence
• Aggressive Driving
• Reckless Stunt Driving
• Any Offense Worth 4 Points or More

If you're under 21 and charged with any of these Georgia Traffic Violations, it's crucial to consult our experienced team of Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Georgia. With over 25 years of experience, they understand the potential penalties and can offer strategies to minimize them.

License Suspension and DUI Charges in Georgia

When facing a DUI charge in Georgia, it's imperative to consult a skilled Georgia DUI Attorney to protect your license. While license suspension is a typical outcome upon a DUI conviction, there's another way your license can be lost—by neglecting to request an ALS (Administrative License Suspension) hearing. Following a DUI arrest, your attorney has a 30-day window to request an ALS Hearing or install an ignition interlock device after applying to DDS for a permit within 30 days to retain your license. Notably, failing to request this hearing or installing the device will lead to a license suspension or loss of driving privileges in Georgia.

Using a Nolo Contendere Plea to Prevent License Suspension

A nolo contendere (no contest) plea can be effective for specific offenses in Georgia, allowing individuals to avoid point penalties on their license. However, it's important to understand the limits:

• Nolo pleas can only prevent point assessment for a moving violation once every 5 years.
• Judges hold discretion to accept or reject a nolo plea.
• While a nolo plea doesn't lead to point accumulation, it can still impact insurance premiums and won't reduce the overall sentence.
• Nolo pleas can also prevent license suspension for offenses like no insurance, driving on a suspended license, and driving with suspended registration.

Our experienced Georgia Traffic Ticket Lawyers can help you explore nolo pleas and alternative defense strategies, particularly if you're facing multiple points on your license.

Zero Point Orders

An alternative option is the zero point order, which can eliminate point assessment for specific traffic offenses in Georgia. To request this order, individuals must complete a DDS-certified defensive driving course after the citation date and provide proof in court. The judge can then issue a zero-point order, reducing the base fine by 20%. While the offense is reported to DDS and appears on the driving history, no points are assessed. This option is available once every 5 years.

A zero-point order doesn't apply to drivers under 21 facing suspension for a 4-point offense. If this option seems suitable for your case, our Traffic Ticket Attorneys in Georgia can offer guidance.

Call Now For a Free Case Evaluation 

When confronting traffic offenses in Georgia, identifying the right source of assistance can be daunting. At Lawson and Berry, our skilled team of Georgia Traffic Offense Lawyers have over 25 years of experience in defending Georgia drivers. With comprehensive knowledge of Georgia law, we aim to make the law work in your favor. We are committed to your success with 24/7 availability. Reach out for a no-obligation case evaluation and discover how we can help safeguard your rights and driving privileges.