As your teenager begins their journey as a new driver, it’s crucial to stress the importance of adhering to traffic laws. While you might assume that minor traffic violations are an almost inevitable part of their learning curve, these early mistakes can have lasting impacts on their driving record. Understanding these implications can help parents guide their teens toward responsible driving and seek appropriate legal representation when needed.

Traffic Violations and Their Consequences

In the eyes of the law, traffic violations are not inconsequential. They are regarded as serious offenses, and penalties can range from fines to license suspension and even jail time for severe infractions. For teenage drivers, who are often under a probationary or provisional license, the penalties can be even more stringent.

Each violation typically results in points being added to the teen’s driving record. In most states, the severity of the violation determines the number of points added. For instance, a minor offense such as failing to signal might add a single point, while a major violation like driving under the influence (DUI) could add multiple points at once.

Accruing points can have multiple negative effects. If a certain threshold is crossed (which varies by state), the driver’s license may be suspended. Insurance companies also pay close attention to these points. A higher number of points on a driving record can result in significantly increased insurance premiums, making driving prohibitively expensive for some families.

State Examples

Here are some examples of how points are weighed and affect your teenage driver in different states:

• In the state of California, the suspension or revocation of your license is possible if you have 4 points within a year, 6 points within 2 years, or 8 points within 3 years.
• In the state of New York, the suspension or revocation of your license is possible if you accrue 11 points within 18 months. A speeding ticket can earn up to 11 points, which means that reaching that 18 point threshold is easier than it sounds.
• In a state like Texas, traffic violations are counted against the driver’s record as singular violations, rather than using a point system, which means that a license suspension or revocation becomes possible if a driver commits 4 or more moving traffic violations within a 12-month period, or 7 or more moving traffic violations within a 24-month period.

The Role of Legal Representation

Given these potential consequences, it’s important to consider seeking legal representation when your teen faces a traffic violation. A qualified attorney can help in several ways:

1. Understanding the Law: Traffic law can be complex, and understanding the specific charges and potential penalties is crucial. An attorney can help interpret the law and explain your options.
2. Navigating the Legal System: An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, helping to ensure that all paperwork is completed correctly and deadlines are met.
3. Defense: An attorney can help challenge the traffic violation charges. They can question the evidence, point out any procedural errors, and potentially have the charges reduced or even dismissed.
4. Mitigating Long-Term Effects: By successfully contesting a charge, a lawyer can help prevent points from being added to your teen’s driving record, protecting their future driving-related prospects.

Traffic violations can have significant long-term impacts on your teen’s driving record. Understanding these potential consequences and seeking qualified legal representation when necessary can protect your teen’s rights and safeguard their future as a responsible driver. By instilling good habits and taking early missteps seriously, you can help set your teen up for a lifetime of safe and responsible driving

If your teen has received a traffic citation, then click here or call 1-888-296-3059 for a free consultation with a qualified traffic attorney.