Georgia Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are illegal acts committed while driving a vehicle. In Georgia, these can be minor tickets or serious crimes like reckless driving or DUI. Violations can lead to serious consequences for the driver, like license points and suspensions, court fines, or even jail time in severe cases.

Therefore, it is important to understand how these violations work and how to retrieve the records. Georgia’s traffic rules come mainly from Title 40 of the state’s code, and the Department of Driver Services (DDS) oversees their enforcement.

What Is Considered a Traffic Violation in Georgia?

In Georgia, breaking the state’s Uniform Rules of the Road or the driver-licensing duties counts as a traffic violation. Simple offenses like speeding, ignoring traffic lights, or not yielding are treated as moving violations that carry point penalties.

Furthermore, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail or a fine of $1,000. DUI is penalized with escalating consequences, while leaving the scene of an injury crash can result in criminal charges.

Types of Traffic Violations in Georgia

The different types of traffic violations in Georgia include:

• Speeding – The DDS assigns point penalties for speeding violations, with the number of points depending on how far the driver exceeds the speed limit. Under the official Points Schedule, the penalties are as follows:
  • 2 points for driving 15 to 18 mph
  • 3 points for 19 to 23 mph
  • 4 points for 24 to 33 mph
  • 6 points for 34 mph and above

In addition, Georgia law classifies drivers as “Super Speeders” if they are convicted of traveling 75 mph or more on a two-lane road or 85 mph or more on any highway. The DDS also imposes a $200 fine, which is separate from any court fines or local penalties related to the speeding offense.

• Running a red light/stop sign – Disobeying traffic signs and signals and stop/yield duties are citable moving violations that carry point penalties.
• Driving without a license or while suspended – Driving without a valid license or with a suspended license is considered a criminal offense. Penalties include fines and jail time, with treatment required for repeat offenders.
• Driving without insurance – Under Georgia law §40-6-10, driving without proof of required liability insurance is a misdemeanor. If car insurance lapses in Georgia, the Department of Revenue will charge a $25 lapse fee and send a notice. Failure to show proof of new insurance within 30 days will lead to registration suspension.
• Reckless driving – This is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and 4 points added to the driver’s record.
• Hit and run (leaving the scene) – Georgia Code 40-6-270 outlines the duties of the drivers involved in an accident. A driver may face escalating penalties if injury or death occurs during the accident.
• Failure to yield and related right-of-way rules – On the DDS points schedule, these violations result in a 3-point penalty on a driver’s record.
• Distracted driving (Hands-Free Georgia Act) – In Georgia, the penalty for distracted driving depends on how many times an individual has been convicted in the past 24 months. As a penalty, an individual gets 1 point and up to a $50 fine for the first offense, 2 points plus a $100 fine for the second offense, and 3 points plus a $150 fine for the third offense.

Traffic Violation Penalties in Georgia

Georgia assigns 2 to 6 points for each traffic offense. If a driver earns 15 points within 24 months, their license will be suspended. For those under 21, a single offense worth 4 points can lead to suspension, while drivers under 18 face suspension if they accumulate 4 points within 12 months.

• Point reduction / “traffic school” – Licensed Georgia drivers who have accumulated points for traffic offenses may take a DDS-approved Driver Improvement course to reduce the points on their driving record. Upon presenting the original completion certificate to the DDS, a driver may have up to 7 points removed from their records.
• “Nolo contendere” and point avoidance – By DDS rule, courts may allow a driver to use a nolo contendere plea to avoid points being added to their license. This option is available only once every five years. However, for drivers under the age of 21, a nolo contendere plea is still considered a conviction when determining license suspension.

Criminal exposure and special regimes

• Reckless driving: A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.
• DUI: DUI offenses in Georgia may result in fines, incarceration, and administrative penalties such as license revocation.
• Habitual Violator (HV): A driver is classified as a Habitual Violator if they receive three or more major traffic convictions within five years. This classification results in the revocation of their driver’s license. If an individual is caught driving while their license is revoked under HV status, the offense is considered a felony.
• Insurance lapses: Insurance lapses are handled by the Department of Revenue through its insurance-compliance system. When a driver’s insurance coverage lapses, the vehicle registration is suspended, and civil penalties are imposed.

Insurance companies can review a driver’s 3 to 5 years of driving history when determining rates. Convictions that carry points and license suspensions can lead to higher insurance premiums.

How to Search for Traffic Violation Records in Georgia

While seeking traffic violation records in Georgia, you can consult two systems:

1. DDS driving history (MVR)

You can order a 3-year, 7-year, or lifetime individual motor vehicle report (MVR) from the DDS in-person, by mail, or online.

2. Ticket/case in court

Most traffic citations in Georgia are processed through Municipal or State Courts, and in some cases, through Probate or Magistrate Courts. To locate or pay a ticket, drivers may use the Judicial Council of Georgia’s Pay a Traffic Ticket gateway or the local court’s website.

Depending on record type, interested parties may find the following information within traffic violation records:

• DDS MVR: An MVR contains license status, personal details, traffic violations, revocations, accidents, and reinstatement information.
• Court docket: The certified copies of traffic violation records issued by the clerk contain the case number, charged statute(s), hearing dates, and disposition.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Record in Georgia?

In Georgia, traffic violation points remain active for 24 months from the date of the offense. After that period, they no longer count toward a license suspension.

Unless altered by law, traffic violation convictions remain on record for a lifetime.

In Georgia, traffic violations generally cannot be removed or expunged from an individual’s driving record once they are reported. Nevertheless, dismissed charges do not appear on the record, and a citation or conviction can be corrected by the DDS if it is entered by mistake.