Disadvantages of Having Points on Driving Record in California
Every California driver knows that they are likely to have to deal with a traffic ticket at some point. With that many believe that you pay the ticket fine and that is it. But in California, every moving violation comes with the additional penalty of one or two points going on your driving record. These points are a way for authorities to keep track of drivers. So why do points matter? Let’s take a look at the several disadvantages of having points on your driving record in California.
DMV Points
A moving violation is any violation of the law committed by the driver while the vehicle is in motion. When the DMV receives moving violations, points are added to the driver’s record automatically. Every moving violation adds one to two points depending on the type of violation and the severity of the offense.
Consequences of Points on Driving Record
Goodbye Low Insurance
One of the most important reasons to avoid any points being put on your driving record is in your insurance costs. The last thing that you want to do is increase what you spend on insurance each month, but when you get a traffic ticket, that’s exactly what happens. When you renew your insurance each year, your driving record is automatically reviewed. Fees always vary depending on the insurance company used, but you’ll find that a citation significantly impacts your insurance premiums. According to coverage.com, one speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates up to 41%. That means paying nearly double for car insurance than the previous year. Additionally, too many of these types of violations and the insurance company may refuse to renew your coverage.
Black Mark On Your Record
Points stay on your driving record for the next three years. In California, even a minor moving violation will add a point or two to your record. These points do not move, and your insurance subsequently goes up. The major offenses, such as DUI violations, add two points to the record and they will be available on public driving records for a decade. That’s a potential 10 years of high insurance premiums which you’d really want to avoid!
A Suspended License
Points on your driving record can cause you to lose your license entirely. This is not ideal for most people since a car is an integral piece to get around. In the state of California, your license could be suspended if you gain four points on your license in a 12-month period, six in a 24-month period, or eight in a 36-month period. Either way, losing your license can have devastating consequences on your daily life.
Could Lose Your Job
If you are employed as a driver, points could mean losing your job. Companies that rely on transportation will not hire or keep drivers that they feel are unsafe or reckless.
A Trial by Written Declaration
A trial by written declaration is fighting your ticket in writing instead of going to court. According to CVC 40902, a California driver can fight their traffic ticket via mail instead of physically appearing in the court. This is the best option to keep your driving record clean. If your ticket is dismissed, it means no points and no fine. It is also the easiest way as you don’t have to take time off of work to go to court or pay heavy fees hiring a traffic attorney.
TicketBust Services
Points may be difficult to remove, but not impossible with the help of TicketBust. At TicketBust, we are a California traffic ticket dismissal service, and we’ve helped tens of thousands of drivers dismiss their traffic violations through the trial by written declaration process. We can help you fight traffic tickets from red light, speeding to cell phones. Fight your ticket today!