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Every time you violate a traffic rule, you not only get traffic tickets in California, but you also get points added on your driving license. Now if you accumulate too many of those, your license is likely to get suspended, and you may not be allowed to drive for a certain period. You will also likely be required to pay higher premiums on your insurance
But there is a way out of this conundrum. You can get your driving record expunged and the points removed from your license, provided you satisfy certain conditions. Expunging refers to the deletion of an individual’s records from public inspection. Once you get your records expunged, you are not required to inform anyone about it – landlords, employers, and so on.
Many people want to know if and when does a ticket go on your record. The answer is yes, it does, and it goes on your record as soon after you pay the fine or a judge convicts you of the offense. This is why it is so important you take steps to fight a speeding ticket before paying it, or at least consult with a traffic lawyer before taking any measures.
#1 The MVA may automatically expunge your California traffic ticket in the following cases:
If you weren’t convicted of another moving violation or crime where a motor vehicle was involved during the past three years
You have never had your license suspended or revoked in the past
You were never convicted or granted probation before judgment (PBJ) for the below-mentioned offenses:
a) Driving while Intoxicated (DWI)
b) Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
c) Driving Impaired
d) Any violation identical or very similar to the ones mentioned above
#2 In case you’re not qualified for automatic expungement, you may still stand a chance at getting your conviction expunged manually. You need to fill out a Request Form for Expungement and submit it to the Administrative Adjudication Division of the MVA. They will examine your case and take a decision on whether your record can be expunged or not. You may engage the services of an experienced Los Angeles traffic ticket attorney to argue your case in the court and get the record expunged.
You can boost your chances of receiving an expungement by taking proactive measures to show the state you’re generally a responsible, law-abiding citizen. For instance, if, at the time of the stop, the officer also cited you for a broken taillight, lack of insurance or some other fixable faux pas, address the issue right away. Doing so will show the courts you too are guilty of honest mistakes but that you are the type of person to learn from them and act accordingly in the future.
#3 Attend a course at a DMV-approved Traffic Safety School; this is one of the quickest ways to get the points off your license and possibly get the state to dismiss the ticket entirely. Though taking a traffic safety course will not erase criminal moving violations such as drunk driving or reckless driving, it can help wipe away points for minor offenses, such as speeding.
#4 Remain points-free in the future: Be careful about your driving in the future. If you receive no tickets in the following three years, your points will be removed.
#5 Don’t miss any Court dates: Make sure you appear in court whenever required to do so. Failure will result in DUIs remaining on your record for ten years, and other violations for a period of five years.
#6 Contest Questionable Tickets. It is estimated that only one in 20 drivers will contest a traffic violation, which is a shame, as making the effort to fight a ticket has its benefits. This is especially true if you have a particularly precarious driving history.
If you have a valid reason for speeding—for instance, say you were trying to get to the hospital, or you were about to miss your international flight—you may be able to appeal to the judge’s sympathetic nature. Even if the officer wasn’t necessarily wrong to issue you a ticket, the judge may sympathize with you and be compelled to either reduce the charge or dismiss the ticket entirely.
The Ticket Clinic has qualified and experienced lawyers who will take care of your traffic record expungement. Contact us 1(800) 248-2846 for a Free Consultation. Or click the link, fill out the information and someone will contact you. A 5-minute call is all it takes.
