Were you on the receiving end of a Virginia traffic violation recently? You should think twice before opening your wallet. Many people believe that paying a traffic ticket is the easiest option out of a sticky situation. But the reality is not like that at all.
Traffic violations in Virginia can hide long-term consequences that last far beyond the initial ticket. There are indirect costs that might be greater than the price of a fine.Under Virginia law, paying for a ticket waives your rights to a court hearing. In other words, paying leads to the entry of a formal guilty plea and results in your immediate conviction.
An impact on permanent records
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can keep non-felony traffic violations on your driving record for up to 11 years. If you committed traffic-related felonies, they can stay on your driving record permanently. Potential employers may view your Motor Vehicle Record if you are seeking commercial driving work opportunities.
The state does not allow criminal record expungements when convicted. That means that Virginia does not eliminate traffic convictions like reckless driving or DUI from criminal records. Since criminal records are public and used in employee background checks, traffic offenses may jeopardize other unrelated career paths.
Demerits from the points system
The DMV employs a points system to rate drivers for unsafe and safe driving. You earn demerit points when courts convict you of a traffic violation. Every time you commit an offense, the DMV adds new demerit points to your record. The more serious the offense, the more demerit points you receive.
Racking up too many demerits on your driving record can trigger penalties. Demerit points stay valid for 2 years and can stack. You may receive advisory letters and be asked to participate in mandatory driving classes. For felony convictions and third-offense DUIs, you may have your license revoked.
Raised insurance premiums
People with traffic violations on their driving record pose a risk to insurance companies. Because you have a “proven” history of violating traffic laws, companies see you as more likely to get into accidents. Insurers take on bigger financial burdens when covering riskier individuals, so reckless drivers with records have higher premiums.
Insurance companies heavily rely on DMV records to make judgements— bigger demerits can cause intense rate spikes. With Virginia’s mandatory minimum insurance, coverage can get expensive. The state may even require drivers with severe offenses like DUI to carry double the minimum.
Mitigating the danger
It is best to evaluate your options before you agree to pay for a traffic ticket. Are you sure about waiving your right to challenge a traffic violation? A ticket is not an indicator of an uncontestable case.
If you choose to challenge, you can notify the court of your intention to contest your ticket. You will have to present your case in front of the court. Your odds of success rely on gathering evidence for your defense. Legal advice and sound strategies from a professional firm may guide you.