When most drivers in CA receive a traffic ticket, their immediate concern tends to be the fine itself.
However, as we often advise our clients, the initial fine is just the tip of the iceberg. The real consequences of a traffic ticket conviction in CA go far beyond the fine, both in terms of financial and long-term impacts.
Did You Ever Wonder How Traffic Ticket Convictions Translate to NOTS Points?
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses, authorizes the DMV to assess one or two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points after a conviction or paid fine for a motor vehicle traffic ticket. Likewise, when an investigator determines a driver was more than zero percent responsible for an accident, the DMV will assess a NOTS point that will remain on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR) for three years.
Typically, minor infractions are assessed one NOTS point, while major infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies are assessed two, which could stay on your MVR for seven to ten years.
Three-Fourth of the Cost of a Traffic Ticket Conviction Is the Increased Auto Insurance
The financial repercussions of a traffic ticket are usually felt most significantly through increased auto insurance premiums.
Many drivers do not consider that a traffic ticket conviction can remain on their driving record for s minimum of three years, affecting their insurance rates. Insurance companies routinely check driving records when determining premiums at renewal.
A traffic ticket conviction will lead to the insurance company taking a driver’s “good driver’s discount” of 20%. That adds $458 to your premium.
A traffic ticket conviction also signifies a higher risk, leading insurers to raise your rates. Over several years, this increase in auto insurance can far exceed the original cost of the traffic ticket. The typical increase in risk for a minor infraction is 10-13%. Not much, right? Your premium will increase by 30% to 33% for the next 36 to 39 months.
Considering the average full-coverage premium for CA drivers, $2,290 annually according to Bankrate.com, that 30 to 33% increase translates to $687-$755.70 annually, or $2,061-2,267.10 for those three years until you get your discount back. Do you still think it’s cheaper just to pay the fine?
Depending on many factors, your auto insurance premium could be lower or, with a teen on your policy, much higher than average. The most significant factor is your driving record.
If you do the math, with the paid fine of $237, the total cost for that minor infraction is between $2,298 and $2,504.10. It doesn’t seem fair, does it?
Preventing a Traffic Ticket Conviction Is Much Easier with a Traffic Attorney
Many drivers believe they can simply go into traffic court, explain what happened to the judge, and get the ticket dismissed. However, this often results in a traffic ticket conviction, as the driver admits guilt during their explanation.
Consider the driver who claims, “I may have been going a little over the speed limit, but I was just keeping up with traffic;” “Your honor, I might have been driving 80 mph, but several cars passed me that morning, and the LEO didn’t stop them;” or “Yes, I rolled through the red light, but I could clearly see there was no traffic coming.” As you can see, in each statement, the driver admitted guilt.
Your best option is to let a traffic attorney argue your situation, as they know what to say and how to present it to the judge to raise the level of “reasonable doubt.” A traffic attorney has sat through several court sessions with the judge and knows how they react to various defenses. They can subpoena speed measurement and officer training records for various RADAR and LIDAR devices.
Most individuals mistakenly believe it's easier and more cost-effective to pay off the traffic ticket fine than challenge it in court.
Yet, as we've established, the long-term financial repercussions of this decision can be severe. It's essential to understand that every traffic ticket is contestable. Our experienced traffic attorneys know the ins and outs of traffic laws and can often find discrepancies or procedural errors that can lead to the dismissal or reduction of the ticket’s penalties.
By preventing a traffic ticket conviction, you save on the immediate fines and protect yourself from increased insurance premiums and the accrual of NOTS points.
Consult with Bigger & Harman to Resolve Your Traffic Ticket in Fresno Courthouse
Therefore, it's always in your best interest to consult with us. We'll help you understand your rights and provide expert representation to mitigate or even eliminate the repercussions of a traffic ticket. Don't let a minor oversight today affect your financial future.
Avoiding a traffic ticket conviction might be as simple as consulting with Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Alternatively, use our contact form; or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CVC Section 12810, Issuance and Renewal of Licenses
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.