Kentucky Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Covington, KY

Addressing Traffic Citations and Whether You Can Fight Them

You’re driving along, vibing to your favorite radio station when you see blue lights in your rearview mirror. You look down and realize you were going faster than you intended. Fifteen minutes later, you’re pulling away from the traffic stop with a speeding ticket and a fine.

Traffic tickets can mean points on your license and eventually end up in a license suspension or revocation if you get too many within a certain timeframe. However, a traffic ticket attorney can help you fight your ticket and potentially avoid more points on your license. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer a free consultation to help you understand your options and the potential outcomes of your case.

Contact the Law Offices of Shannon C. Smith, PLLC, to help you address traffic tickets.

What Are the Penalties for Getting a Traffic Ticket?

The penalties for getting a traffic ticket in Kentucky involve fines, court costs, and points on your license. More serious infractions are worth more points. For example, going less than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit on a limited access highway results in 0 points, while going 11-15 miles per hour over the speed limit on a limited access highway is 3 points.

Below are some common traffic violations and the associated points:

• Failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic signal: 3 points
• Failing to yield: 3 points
• Driving too fast for road conditions: 3 points
• Not having headlights on when appropriate: 3 points
• Texting while driving: 3 points
• Expired registration: 3 points
• Following the vehicle in front of you too closely: 4 points
• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle: 4 points
• Improper passing: 5 points
• Going 16-25 miles per hour above the speed limit: 6 points
• Failing to stop for a school bus: 6 points

How much the fine for a traffic violation is varies depending on the infraction. For example, speeding tickets can range from $20 to $100, and there may also be court costs involved, which can be even more than the ticket. Typical court costs for a traffic ticket in Kentucky are around $150.

How Does the Kentucky License Points System Work?

The Kentucky Point System is designed to ensure that people who habitually violate the traffic laws face stronger penalties and to deter reckless drivers. Even minor infractions can add points to your license, which can accumulate and lead to a suspension. When you get your driver’s license, it has 0 points. When you get a traffic ticket, the associated points go on your license.

Once you get 12 points in 2 years, your driver’s license can be suspended. Points roll off your license 2 years from the date of the conviction. Drivers under the age of 18 are only allowed to accumulate 7 points before their license can be suspended.

How Do I Get My License Back After It’s Suspended?

Getting your suspended license reinstated is a more involved process than many people realize. If your driver’s license has been suspended for less than 1 year, you will just need to pay the reinstatement fee once you are eligible to get your license back. However, if your license was suspended for more than 1 year, you will also need to retake the eye test and the written portion of the driving test to get your license reinstated.

Can an Officer Search My Car When They Pull Me Over for a Traffic Violation?

It’s not uncommon for someone to be pulled over for a simple traffic violation and then end up with criminal charges because of illegal items found in the car or the officer finding out that the person was driving under the influence of alcohol. In some cases, officers may find evidence of driving under the influence of other drugs, such as prescription medications or illicit substances. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of your rights during a traffic stop.

Pulling you over for a simple traffic violation does not give an officer the right to search your vehicle. However, officers often ask that you allow them to. Unless the officer has probable cause that a crime has been committed or is in progress, they cannot search your vehicle without your permission.

Some examples of probable cause include seeing illegal items, such as drugs or drug paraphernalia, in plain view, smelling marijuana or alcohol coming from the driver or the car, or the driver admitting guilt.

Why You Need an Attorney For a Traffic Ticket

Many people aren’t aware that there are any other options than to pay the fine associated with the traffic ticket and incur the points on their license.

Traffic ticket attorneys are experienced in representing clients and know what defense strategies to use to fight the ticket, such as contesting the evidence or offering to take a driving education course in lieu of a suspension. Effective traffic ticket defense can help you avoid points on your license and other penalties.