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How will a traffic violation effect my driving record or insurance?
Each state has it's own version of a point system which is recorded by the
DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) that keeps track of all registered
drivers driving history. You start off with a clean slate the day you get your
license. For every traffic violation you get, points will be added to your
record. If you get too many moving violations in a certain length of time,
you may be considered a negligent operator and possibility lose your
license. Your insurance company has access to this information and will
raise your insurance premiums accordingly due to increased points and
risk factors.

Minor offenses are designated as 1 point and remain on your record for 3 years. More serious offenses such as hit and runs, reckless driving, and driving under the influence, are designated as 2 points and will remain on your record for 7 years. To be considered a negligent operator your driving record has to show 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months.

What should I do if I get pulled over by the police?
The first thing to remember is to always remain calm. Roll down your window and wait for the police officer to come to your car. If it is dark, you might want to turn on your interior lights to illuminate the inside of your car and let the officer know you have nothing to hide. Remember, the officer's job is to uphold the law. Be courteous and respectful. Let the officer do the talking. Don't irritate him/or her. And most importantly, don't admit to anything. You're innocent until proven guilty.

If I get a traffic violation in another state how does that affect my driving record in the state in which
I am licensed and live?
In the U.S. most states have adopted what's known as the Driver License Compact (DLC). One Driver, One License, One Record. The Driver License Compact was formed in 1961. Currently, 45 states participate so that's almost all of the U.S. Under this law, traffic violations from another state are reported to the driver's home state. The home state will then treat the offense as if it had been committed within its borders and apply its laws to the out-of-state offense.

Even with the DLC in place, not every driving violation will be transferred to a driver’s home state. If your home state does not have a statue for the driving offense you committed in the other state, it will not be transferred since your home state can not punish for that offense.

I lost my license but still continue to drive. What can happen to me if I'm caught?
If you continue to drive without a license that has been revoked or suspended sooner or later you will suffer serious consequences if pulled over. The police have the right to fine you, arrest you, or both. I strongly urge you to get rides from friends or family or use public transportation until you get your license back.

I received an infraction ticket within the last 15 days, but I am not able to pay or respond within 15 days. What should I do?
You must respond to the court requesting a mitigation or contested hearing and request a one-time extension. The request will be granted unless you haven't already filed for a previous extension. If it's not granted then you must respond within the 15 day period.

I missed the 15-day response period. What are my options now?
You won't be eligible for an extension if you didn't respond within the required 15 days. After the 15-day period has passed, the court automatically rules that the infraction was committed and can add on an additional fee for failure to respond. If you received a traffic citation, the court has the right to issue what's called an FTA (Failure to Appear). That means you risk the loss or suspension of your drivers license. You will be notified that your license will be suspended unless you pay your penalty in full.

I got a traffic ticket and missed my court date. What should I do?
If you have missed a court date for an infraction or a contested hearing, you must contact the court to request a show cause hearing. You must do this within 30 days from the date of your missed court hearing.