Under Georgia law, a speeding ticket can lead to fines, points on your license, and a mark on your driving record. Many drivers wonder how long a speeding ticket stays on your record in Georgia, and the answer depends on whether you are asking about points, the violation itself, or possible license consequences. If you are worried about how a ticket could affect your license after a crash, a Newnan car accident attorney can explain your options.
Does a Citation Go on Your Record in Georgia?
In many cases, a citation can go on your driving record if it results in a conviction or points being added to your license. A speeding ticket may also affect your insurance rates, especially if you already have other violations on your record. However, the effect of a citation depends on the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and whether you are able to avoid points through a defensive driving course or another available option.
How Long Does a Ticket Stay on Your Record in Georgia?
Most of the time, points will remain on your driver’s record for two years. That means that if you have not received any additional points since this incident, you will have a point-free driving record after two years. They drop off on the exact date when the points were added.
However, when drivers ask how long tickets stay on your record in Georgia, they may be asking about two different things: how long points stay on a Georgia driving record and how long the violation itself may continue to appear.
If you receive another speeding ticket during that initial two years, you will have additional points added to your driving record. They, too, will come off in two years after that incident. More tickets at different times will lead to points falling off at different times.
You May Be Able to Get Points Taken Off of Your License
There are times when there is nothing you can do but wait until the points come off of your license after two years. However, there are some ways to earn a point reduction in Georgia, depending on the situation. You may apply for a points reduction one time every five years. Points reductions of up to 7 points at a time can be requested. However, this is not just a simple decision.
One way to do so is to complete a driver improvement course. The course must meet the Department of Motor Vehicle requirements. Completing the course will allow you to receive a certificate that you can then send to the license bureau to be used to reduce your points on your tickets.
There are some instances in which you may be able to avoid having points added to your license at all. For example, if you are given a speeding ticket in Georgia, you may ask the court to allow you to complete a six-hour defensive driving program. Doing this, and doing it within the time required, may allow you to get the ticket dismissed. That would eliminate the risk that those points will be added to your license.
Only the points are removed from your driving record. The actual violation continues to be recorded and will be maintained on your record.
Getting Speeding Tickets Removed Can Be Challenging
If you received a speeding ticket in Georgia and are worried about serious consequences, such as losing your driver’s license or commercial driver’s license, it may be best to speak with an attorney. This may be especially important if the ticket is connected to an auto accident or could affect an insurance claim. A Newnan car accident attorney can explain how the ticket may affect your driving record, insurance, and any related accident case.