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Serious Traffic Violations

Serious Traffic Violations

Facing a Serious Maryland Traffic Citation?

Have you, or someone you know, recently received a traffic ticket or traffic citation in Maryland? Do you know how serious the offense is and what the possible consequences are if the traffic violation is not handled properly?

New Maryland laws have recently been passed and they can be difficult to understand. You need to make sure you are prepared and protected the day you walk into court. Contact us to see how serious your traffic violation is and schedule a free consultation with one of our top traffic violation lawyers.

Traffic Ticket Fines

Traffic ticket fines are the same throughout MD and they do not vary by county, city, or district. The exact fine amount will be posted on your citation.

Another cost from your traffic citation may come in the form of an increase in your car insurance rates. Unique to Maryland, the district court system alerts the MVA of all traffic ticket convictions, resulting in added points on your driving record. Extra points can cause your car insurance premiums to increase, your license to be suspended and even possible jail time.

Traffic Citation Penalties

Penalties are not the same as fines. Fines refer to exact fees while penalties refer to points and loss of driving privileges. Penalties differ depending on which type of driver’s license you have (learner’s permit, provisional license, CDL, etc.), severity of the traffic violation and status of your driving record.

What is a Traffic Citation?

A traffic citation, often referred to as a ticket, is a notice issued by law enforcement to a motorist or other road user, accusing them of violating traffic laws. Citations can be issued for a variety of offenses, ranging from speeding and running a red light to more serious violations like reckless driving.

Civil Citation in Maryland

In Maryland, a civil citation is typically issued for non-criminal offenses, such as minor traffic violations. Unlike criminal citations, civil citations do not carry the possibility of jail time but can result in fines and points on your driving record.

Key Points:

  • Civil Citation Meaning: A non-criminal charge usually involving minor offenses.
  • Does a Civil Citation Go on Record?: Yes, civil citations can appear on your driving record.

Is a Citation a Ticket?

This is a common question, and the answer is yes, a citation is essentially a ticket. However, the terms can be used differently depending on the context and the specific type of offense.

Differences Between Citations and Tickets:

  • Citation vs. Ticket: Generally, they are the same, but “citation” is a broader term that can include non-traffic related violations.
  • What is a Citation Ticket?: A traffic violation notice that may require you to pay a fine or appear in court.

Do Citations Go on Your Record?

Yes, traffic citations typically go on your driving record. Accumulating too many points on your record from citations can lead to increased insurance rates, fines, or even suspension of your driver’s license.

Key Points:

  • Do Citations Stay on Your Record?: They can stay on your record for several years, depending on the severity of the offense.
  • Impact on Insurance: Citations can lead to higher insurance premiums.

How to Look Up Traffic Tickets in Maryland

If you need to find information about a traffic ticket in Maryland, you can use the state’s online resources to look up your citation.

Steps to Look Up a Traffic Ticket:

  1. Visit the Maryland Judiciary Case Search: This online tool allows you to search for traffic citations using your name or citation number.
  2. Enter Your Information: Provide the required details to locate your citation.
  3. Review Your Citation: Check the details and any associated penalties.

Understanding Citation Numbers

A citation number is a unique identifier assigned to your traffic ticket. This number is crucial for tracking your citation and any associated legal proceedings.

Key Points:

  • Where to Find Citation Number: It is usually located at the top of your ticket.
  • How to Read a Traffic Citation: Understanding the details listed, including the violation, date, and court appearance requirements.

Maryland Speed Camera Tickets

Speed cameras are used extensively in Maryland to enforce speed limits. If you’re caught speeding by a camera, you’ll receive a citation in the mail.

Key Points:

  • Maryland Citation Lookup: Use the online system to check the status of your speed camera ticket.
  • Paying Speed Camera Tickets: Instructions are typically included with the mailed citation.

How Much Do Citations Cost?

The cost of a citation can vary significantly based on the type of offense and the jurisdiction. In general, minor traffic violations may cost between $50 and $200, while more serious offenses can result in higher fines.

Key Points:

  • Cost Factors: Severity of the offense, location, and whether it’s a repeat violation.
  • Paying Citations: Ensure timely payment to avoid additional penalties.

Do You Have to Appear in Court for a Citation?

Not all citations require a court appearance. For minor violations, you may only need to pay the fine. However, more serious offenses might require you to appear in court.

Key Points:

  • Must Appear Citation: Indicates that a court appearance is mandatory.
  • What to Do if Required to Appear: Follow the instructions on your citation and seek legal advice if necessary.

Getting a Copy of Your Traffic Ticket

If you need a copy of your traffic ticket, you can usually request one from the issuing authority or through online resources provided by the state.

Key Points:

  • How to Get a Copy: Contact the relevant traffic court or use online search tools.
  • Lost Your Ticket?: Provide identification and details to retrieve your ticket information.

Uniform Traffic Citations Explained

A uniform traffic citation is a standardized form used across jurisdictions to ensure consistency in reporting traffic violations.

Key Points:

  • Uniform Citation Meaning: Ensures all necessary information is included and easily understood by the issuing authority and the recipient.
  • How to Read a Uniform Citation: Familiarize yourself with the common fields and terminology.

Lost Your Citation Ticket?

Losing your citation ticket can be stressful, but it’s important to act quickly to retrieve the necessary information.

Key Points:

  • What to Do: Contact the issuing authority or use online lookup tools.
  • I Lost My Citation Ticket: Provide as much information as possible to locate your citation.

Maryland Point System

Maryland assigns points for moving traffic violations. These points stay on your driving record for two years, starting from the date of the initial citation.

Some of the more common violations come with the following points:

  • Driving on a suspended license―12 points
  • DUI―12 points
  • Failing to stop at a red light―2 points
  • Failing to stop for flashing school bus―3 points
  • Improper passing―1 point
  • Failure to yield right-of-way―1 point
  • Improper U-turn―1 point

Building up points on your driving record will prompt the MVA to take the following actions:

  • Three to four points within a two-year span―The MVA will send you a warning letter
  • Five to seven points within a two-year span―You will be required to enroll in a Driver Improvement Program (DIP)
  • Eight to Eleven points within a two-year span―Your driver’s license will be suspended
  • Twelve or more points―Your license will be revoked

For more detailed information on Maryland’s point system, you can visit the MVA page covering Maryland’s point system here.

Driver’s License Suspension, Revocation and Cancellation

The loss of driving privileges comes with major consequences, including time-consuming reinstatement requirements, costly fees, and a significant increases in your car insurance rates. Given the severity of these penalties, it is best to know what can happen if your driver’s license is suspended, revoked or canceled:

Suspended License– The temporary withdrawal of your driver’s license. Depending on your situation the MVA may allow you to drive on a restricted license (this limits you to driving to and from work and/or school).

Revoked License– The withdrawal of your driving privileges until the MVA decides you are fit to drive again. Unlike a suspended license, a revoked license comes with an extended waiting period before you can drive again, and even then there is no guarantee that the MVA will allow you to apply for a reinstated driver’s license.

Canceled License– Your driving privileges have been terminated.

Your license can be suspended, revoked or canceled for several reasons including too many points on your driving record or for some of the following traffic violations:

Contact Houlon Berman

Maryland Traffic Violations can significantly impact your future, family, and career. They should be taken seriously and handled by a professional. Having the right attorney can save you thousands of dollars in fees and fines as well as save you potential jail time.

Let the experienced traffic lawyers at Houlon Berman help you through this process and gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are represented by some of the best attorneys in Maryland and DC. Schedule your free consultation today.

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