Most traffic violations involve paying a fine and moving on with your life. However, the government can suspend or revoke your license if you commit a serious traffic violation or receive multiple infractions. Anisa Jordan at The Jordan Law Firm is a Rolling Meadows traffic attorney with a successful track record of helping her clients keep their licenses. As a litigator with experience working for both the prosecution and the defense, our lawyer Anisa Jordan has a unique insight on how to fight all types of traffic tickets.
Should I Just Pay a Ticket?
In some cases, paying a ticket makes the most sense. However, it is important to consider that the total cost of a speeding ticket involves more than the stated fine. For example, when you get a speeding ticket in Rolling Meadows, your insurance rates will increase, sometimes significantly. In fact, according to a recent report, the total cost of a speeding ticket can be almost seven times higher than the amount of the fine.
The other potential problem with just paying a speeding ticket is that you are essentially admitting fault when you pay a ticket. This means that you will accrue points on your driver’s license. Illinois uses a point system to determine when the government will suspend your license. If you get three moving violations within any 12-month period, the state will suspend your license. The length of the suspension depends on the seriousness of the traffic offenses you committed.
So while paying a traffic ticket may not be the end of the world if it’s your first one, if you have several other recent violations, doing so may result in a license suspension. If police cited you for one or more violations, contact our Rolling Meadows traffic lawyer to discuss your options.
Which Traffic Violations Put Points on My Driver’s License?
Under state law, if you commit a moving violation, the state will add points to your driver’s license record. If you get more than three violations in any 12-month period, your license will get suspended. The following are examples of moving violations:
- Speeding,
- Reckless driving,
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
- Texting while driving,
- Failure to yield, and
- Running a red light or stop sign.
In fact, most traffic citations are moving violations. The only two major exceptions are automated tickets—such as red-light camera violations and speeding tickets issued by speed-checking machines—and equipment violations. These offenses are not considered moving violations and will not result in points being added to your driver’s license record.
Can I Fight a Traffic Ticket?
Yes, as long as you have not paid a ticket, you can argue that it was issued improperly. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when police pull you over. First, you are under no legal obligation to answer anything other than a police officer’s most basic requests. For example, you must provide police officers with your license, insurance information, and vehicle registration, but you do not need to answer if they ask you if you were drinking or under the influence of drugs. Answering a police officer’s questions often provides them with reasonable suspicion to search your car or probable cause to arrest you for another offense.
At the same time, you should not be antagonistic toward the police when they pull you over. For example, if a police officer issues you a ticket, you must sign it. Signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt but only indicates that you received the citation. Remember, it is important that you do not do anything that appears to threaten the officer’s safety during a traffic stop.
Can I Lose My License for Failing to Pay Traffic Tickets?
Historically, the state could suspend your license if you failed to pay a traffic ticket. However, under a recently passed bill, the government will no longer be suspending drivers’ licenses if they are unable to pay traffic tickets. But there are other reasons why a traffic violation can still impact your ability to drive. For example, any points added to your record as a result of a traffic ticket will still count against you and could result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Contact an Experienced Rolling Meadows Traffic Violation Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
If you have multiple open traffic tickets and fear that your license is at risk, contact The Jordan Law Firm. Anisa Jordan is a respected Rolling Meadows traffic attorney with extensive experience fighting all types of traffic tickets. She understands how important your driver’s license is to your way of life and will do everything possible to help you stay on the road.
Our experienced legal practitioner also handles other types of cases, including:
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable Rolling Meadows traffic ticket lawyer, call 312-380-9221 today. You can also reach our lawyer at The Jordan Law Firm through our online contact form.
