Kansas City traffic tickets can harm more than most drivers are aware of. They might be a mere punishment and quick payment, but they may place points on your license. Too many points raise your rate of insurance. They even revoke your license. That’ll put your driving privilege at risk for months or years. A good Kansas City license back lawyer knows how to keep you from getting points. This book gives common-sense advice on avoiding points and having a clean record and unbroken driving privileges.
Why Points Matter in Kansas City
Kansas uses a point system to track driver violations. Each moving violation adds a certain number of points.
Here are a few common examples:
- Speeding: 3 points
- Running a stop sign: 3 points
- Running a red light: 4 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
The higher your points, the greater your risk. Your insurance company will likely increase your premium if your record shows multiple violations. If you get 12 points within a year, you can lose your license. Losing your license will struggle to work, take care of your family, or even commute.
Tip 1: Don’t Ignore Your Ticket
All of us think that simply paying the fine is the solution. It is, but it’s the costliest in the long run. Paying is actually a confession of guilt. Points are posted on your record immediately. Instead, verify your choices first. A Kansas City traffic lawyer can verify the ticket for errors, review your driving history, and find out if a dismissal or reduction is possible.
Tip 2: Ask Ticket Amendment
A ticket amendment turns your infraction into a non-moving infraction from a moving infraction. Non-moving infractions are not listed on your record as points. For example, a speeding ticket can be amended to “defective equipment.” It is fined but no points. Lawyers are able to negotiate amendments. They generally use evidence of your good driving record or legalities to convince them to agree.
Tip 3: Take Traffic School
Kansas sometimes allows you to take traffic school instead of points. It may be a classroom or internet course in defensive driving. The ticket will be dismissed or removed from your record after you’ve done it. Not all infractions can be completed through traffic school. You typically must request the permission of the court. Your lawyer can facilitate that permission.
Tip 4: Obtain Evidence Early
It is good evidence that makes the difference between conviction and dismissal. Useful evidence would be:
- Missing or obstructed signs, as photos
- Your driving captured on dashcam
- Eyewitness accounts of passenger or bystanders
- Speed readings from your phone or GPS in your car
Forward any evidence you have to your lawyer as soon as you possibly can. The sooner they receive it, the stronger your case will be.
Tip 5: Be Mindful of Deadlines
All tickets have deadlines. It could be for a court appearance, for paying a fine, or for paperwork. Missing them can cause more problems, such as additional fines or even an arrest warrant. A traffic attorney will keep an eye on them for you. You should also always read court notices closely and proceed yourself, though.
Tip 6: Steer Clear of New Offenses
Even if you’ve settled on a ticket, you need to be careful. Having multiple infractions close together can put you over the point limit. Steer clear of irresponsible driving habits like speeding, roll stops, or texting while driving. Defensive driving is the simplest way to maintain a clean record.
Tip 7: Understand Your Present Point Balance
Most people don’t know how many points are on their license. You can get your driving record from the Kansas Department of Revenue. Annual checks avoid surprises. You can also catch mistakes and have them fixed if needed.
How a Kansas City Traffic Lawyer Helps
A good traffic attorney does more than appear in court with you. They can:
- Negotiate with prosecutors for a better outcome
- Request traffic school instead of points
- Give legitimate reasons for dismissal
- Find technical errors in your ticket issuance
- Appear in court on your behalf to avoid missing work time
An attorney will save your time, reduce stress, and most probably save your money in the long term.
Common Mistakes Which Add Up Points
Most drivers gain points by mistake. The most common errors include:
- Paying a ticket without consultation
- Failing to appear in court dates or deadlines
- Driving with a suspended or revoked registration or license
- Ignoring notices from the DMV or the court
- Failing to notify the DMV of an address change
All of these mistakes can be easily prevented by exercising caution and doing things promptly.
The Real Cost of Not Fighting a Ticket
Some people see fighting a ticket as too costly. However, the cost of points down the road is usually more. One speeding ticket can increase your rate for life. Over the years, you might pay hundreds, maybe even thousands, more. Unless you’re losing a lot of money per year, it’s cheaper to have an attorney than to write all those extra premiums.
Why Local Experience Is Important
Not all Kansas City courts are the same. Every court has its own policy and staff. The local traffic lawyers are familiar with the judges, prosecutors, and clerks. This local knowledge is a good bargaining tool and in deciding on the best defense strategy.
Instant Checklist for Saving Your Record
- Do not plead guilty blind
- Call a Kansas City traffic attorney right away
- Collect and save all the evidence
- Request traffic school or amendments
- Check your driving record each year
- Defensively drive to avoid further offenses
Last Thoughts
Points on your record will cost you money, time, and even your license. There’s some good news, however: most tickets can be reduced, amended, or dismissed. By consulting with a skilled Kansas City traffic attorney, you can generally avoid points from showing up on your record and save your driving future.
FAQs
1. How many points can I have before Kansas suspends my license?
You can be suspended if you accumulate 12 points in 12 months. The real penalty depends on your record.
2. Can a lawyer delete points I already have on my record?
Possibly. A lawyer might try to reopen a case or negotiate with a court. It depends on the ticket and how long it has been.
3. For how long are points posted on my Kansas driver’s license?
Most tickets are posted for three years. More serious violations stay longer.
4. Can I pay a ticket without going to court?
Yes. In most cases, an attorney can appear for you. This depends on the type of ticket and court process.
5. Can I attend traffic school for any violation?
No. Traffic school would usually be for minor infractions. The court may have to grant you permission first before you would be able to.
