Looking in the rearview mirror and seeing red and blue lights flashing is one of those things that immediately causes your heart to pound and your stomach to drop. No one likes getting stopped by the police for a traffic violation. If you do find yourself in that situation, know that one call to Ticket Busters can relieve that fear and anxiety you feel. It is imperative that you take care of your ticket right away, and we can facilitate the necessary steps to do so.
What happens if I fail to pay my traffic ticket?
If you choose to ignore your ticket, it does not just go away.
Some of the real consequences of not paying a traffic ticket include:
- Paying expensive fines – fines which increase dramatically once the due date has passed
- Incurring demerit points on your record
- Increase in your car insurance premium
In some cases, you may even face more serious consequences such as:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Driving on a suspended license can result in a more severe ticket or even a criminal charge.
- Payment of fees are required in order to then reinstate your license.
- Ineligibility to renew your driver’s license or vehicle registration
- Having your car towed
How many demerit points are allowed on my record before my license is suspended?
12 or more points within any 12-month period results in your driver license being automatically suspended for 6 months.
Below is a chart from the Nevada DMV showing common traffic and speeding violations along with the demerit points assigned to each one. This will give you an idea of how these violations can affect your record and possibly result in a suspension of your license.
|
Traffic Violation |
Points |
Speed Violation |
Points |
|
Reckless Driving |
8 |
1 – 10 mph over posted limit |
1 |
|
Careless Driving |
6 |
11 – 20 mph over posted limit |
2 |
|
Failure to give information or render aid at the scene of an accident |
6 |
21 – 30 mph over posted limit |
3 |
|
Following too closely |
4 |
31 – 40 mph over posted limit |
4 |
|
Failure to yield right-of-way |
4 |
41 mph or more over posted limit |
5 |
|
Passing a school bus when signals are flashing |
4 |
Prima Facie speed violation or driving too fast for the conditions |
2 |
|
Hand-held cellphone use or texting (2nd and subsequent offenses) |
4 |
|
|
|
Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign |
4 |
|
|
|
Impeding traffic, driving too slowly |
2 |
|
|
|
Failure to dim headlights |
2 |
|
|
Note: There are several violations such as driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or drugs and hit-and-run accidents resulting in bodily harm or death that result in an automatic license suspension; therefore, these violations do not receive specific demerit points.
What is considered a DUI?
Driving under the influence (DUI) is being deemed impaired by alcohol or drugs to the point that you are unsafe to drive or if the blood alcohol content (BAC) or blood test reads at a level of .08% intoxication or more.
Note: Depending on whether you are receiving a first-time or a recurring offense or have injured or killed another person while driving under the influence, the penalties range from license suspension and fines to substantial jail time and significantly increased fines.
What is a hit-and-run?
When you are in a collision, whether it be with another vehicle, property, or with a pedestrian, you are required by law to stop and render aid, if necessary, as well as to provide information as to your identity. Nevada police should be notified if there is bodily injury or significant property damage involved in the collision. When you do not do these things and you flee the scene, it is considered a hit-and-run.
Note: A hit-and-run consisting of property damage only can result in up to 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1000.00. When a hit-and-run involves bodily harm or death, the penalties can be up to 20 years in prison with fines up to $5000.00 and loss of driver’s license.
Seeking the assistance of attorneys like the ones at Ticket Busters who know the laws from traffic to criminal defense and can assist you in navigating the process that follows is the best way to protect yourself. Whether you have received a ticket for a common traffic violation or may be facing the scary and confusing process of a DUI with bodily harm, our team of attorneys and legal professionals are here to help.
