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West Virginia Traffic Penalties
How to Handle a West Virginia Traffic Ticket
Understanding Your Options
Receiving a traffic ticket can be stressful, but knowing how to handle it effectively makes the process much simpler. In West Virginia, drivers have several options for addressing a traffic ticket, each with its own set of steps and implications.
Ways to Pay Your Traffic Ticket Fines
- Online: Many fines can be settled through the state’s online payment portal, offering a fast and convenient way to resolve your ticket from the comfort of your home.
- By Mail: You can mail your payment directly to the court, following the specific instructions printed on your ticket.
- By Phone: Some jurisdictions in West Virginia allow payments over the phone. Check your ticket for details on this option.
- In Person: Visit the designated courthouse or office to pay your fine face-to-face.
Fighting or Reducing Your Fine
- Contest the Ticket: If you believe the citation was issued in error, you have the right to challenge it in court.
- Request a Fine Reduction: Reach out to the court to explore the possibility of having your fine lowered.
The Importance of Timely Response
- Avoid Additional Penalties: Failing to address your traffic ticket promptly can result in higher fines or even a suspension of your driver’s license.
- West Virginia Code Compliance: All actions you take must align with the relevant West Virginia laws governing traffic violations and their associated penalties.
Taking swift action and familiarizing yourself with your options will help you handle your ticket with minimal hassle and avoid further complications. Consulting with a Morgantown criminal lawyer can also provide valuable guidance on how best to proceed.
Fines & Penalties
Traffic Violations in West Virginia
Fines for traffic violations in West Virginia can vary depending on the court overseeing your case. Here’s what you need to know to stay on top of your obligations:
Payment Deadlines and Additional Charges
- Timely Payment: Always pay your traffic fine before the specified deadline to prevent additional charges from being added to your total.
- Late Fees: Missing your payment deadline will result in late fees being tacked onto your fine amount.
Traffic Ticket Details
- Ticket Amount: Your ticket will clearly state the exact amount owed.
- Deadlines: Note the due date printed on your ticket and plan accordingly.
- Penalties: Be aware of any additional penalties that may apply if your payment is not received on time.
For legal specifics, including West Virginia traffic law, always refer to the details on your ticket and seek advice from a qualified Morgantown DUI attorney if needed. Your ticket contains the most accurate and up-to-date information relevant to your case.
Understanding the West Virginia DMV Point System
License Suspension Based on Points
The West Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employs a point-based system to monitor and evaluate driver behavior over time. When a driver accumulates a certain number of points, their license may be suspended for the following durations:
| Point Accumulation | Suspension Duration |
| 5 or more | 0 days remaining. A warning letter has been issued. |
| 12 to 13 | 30 days |
| 14 to 15 | 45 days |
| 16 to 17 | 60 days |
| 18 to 19 | 90 days |
| 20+ | License is suspended until accumulated points are reduced to 11 or fewer. |
Some major violations that affect your driving record include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
Points for Traffic Violations
Points from traffic violations remain on a driver’s record for two years following conviction, while the infraction itself stays on record for five years. The table below outlines common violations and the number of points each carries. Working with a Morgantown criminal lawyer can help you understand how these points may impact your case.
| Violation | Points |
| Speeding 11–14 mph over the limit | 3 |
| Speeding 15–19 mph over the limit | 5 |
| Speeding 20+ mph over the limit | 6 |
| Speeding in a school zone | 6 |
| 3 or more violations involving wireless communication devices (any combination of talking or texting) | 3 |
| Passing violation | 3 |
| Failure to yield | 3 |
| Failure to obey traffic light | 3 |
| Failure to obey stop sign | 3 |
| Hazardous driving | 3 |
| Driving left of center | 3 |
| Driving too fast for conditions | 3 |
| Failure to maintain control of vehicle | 3 |
| Driving the wrong way on a one-way street | 3 |
| Littering | 3 |
| Improper lane violation | 3 |
| Failure to observe a safety zone | 3 |
| Failure to follow a police officer’s instructions | 3 |
| Driving on the wrong side of the road | 3 |
| Following too closely | 2 |
| More than 3 passengers in the front seat | 2 |
| Improper turning | 2 |
| Improper backing | 2 |
| Improper signal or no signal | 2 |
| Reckless Driving | 6 |
| Careless Driving | 3 |
| Hit & Run | 6 |
| Fleeing from an officer | 2 |
| All other moving violations | 2 |
Defensive Driving Course
Completing an approved Defensive Driving Course (DDC) can reduce your accumulated points by three. However, if you have 14 or more points, completing a DDC will not eliminate the suspension period. If you are facing a 30-day suspension due to having 12–13 points, you may be able to offset it by finishing a DDC and paying the reinstatement fee before your suspension begins. Courses must be completed in person at approved locations.
| Company Name | Phone Number | Area |
| West Virginia Driver Training | (304) 424-6307 | Locations Offered Statewide |
| Able Driving School | (540) 675-1153 | Martinsburg |
| Bluefield AAA | (304) 327-8187 | Bluefield |
| Charleston AAA | (304) 925-6681 | Charleston |
| B-Safe, Inc. | (304) 641-9045 | Clarksburg |
Defensive Driving Course Guidelines
Eligibility for Point Reduction
Frequency Limit: The Defensive Driving Course may only be completed for point reduction purposes once every 12 months.
Online Course Restrictions in West Virginia: Online Defensive Driving Courses are not recognized for point reduction purposes in West Virginia. Courses must be taken in person at an approved location, such as West Virginia Driver Training or Bluefield AAA.
Moving Violations
A moving violation occurs when a traffic law is broken by a vehicle that is in motion. Common examples include speeding, running a red light or stop sign, and driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. Non-moving violations, by contrast, typically relate to parking infractions or vehicle equipment issues. Whether you’re dealing with a moving or non-moving violation, speaking with a Morgantown DUI attorney can help clarify what penalties you may face.
Responding to Your Ticket
There are two main approaches to handling a traffic ticket in West Virginia:
Paying the Fine
Paying your West Virginia traffic ticket is considered an admission of guilt. Here’s what it means for you:
- Waiving your right to contest: By paying the fine, you are choosing not to challenge the ticket in court.
- Potential license suspension: Depending on your driving history, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may choose to suspend your West Virginia driver’s license.
- Insurance impact: The violation could cause your car insurance premiums to rise.
Requesting a Contested Hearing
If you wish to plead “not guilty” to the violation, you may request a contested hearing at the relevant county court. To do so, mark the appropriate box on your ticket and mail it back to the court. It’s worth noting that only around 5% of drivers choose to contest their traffic tickets.
Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Contesting a traffic ticket with the help of a qualified attorney can be an effective way to avoid penalties, license suspensions, and rising insurance costs. A traffic ticket lawyer typically:
- Requests a contested hearing on your behalf.
- Seeks discovery for your case to ensure all relevant information is gathered.
- Represents you confidently in court.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to potentially have your charges reduced or dismissed.
Engaging an experienced Morgantown criminal lawyer is a smart step toward managing your traffic violation with the best possible outcome.
Contact Us
If you’re dealing with a traffic violation in Morgantown or the surrounding West Virginia area, don’t face it alone. Hire Sean Logue as your West Virginia traffic lawyer and reach out to the Morgantown DUI attorney at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group anytime, day or night, at (304) 832-8350 to take advantage of a free initial consultation. Don’t wait to act now to protect your driving record and your future.