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West Virginia Traffic Penalties
How to Handle a West Virginia Traffic Ticket
Understanding Your Options
When you are issued a traffic citation in the state of West Virginia, it is crucial to fully understand the different avenues available to you for resolving it. Receiving a ticket can be a stressful experience, but knowing the precise steps to take in Brooke County or any other region will make the process much smoother and less intimidating. Here is a detailed breakdown of the various actions you can take to manage your situation effectively and responsibly.
Ways to Pay Your Traffic Ticket Fines
If you choose to simply pay your fine, there are several methods available to you. While dealing with the legal system can sometimes feel overwhelming, consulting a Wellsburg criminal lawyer can provide clarity if you are unsure about which payment route to take.
- Online: A large number of fines can be settled quickly using the state’s official online payment portal, giving you a highly convenient option.
- By Mail: You have the choice to mail in your payment. Simply follow the exact instructions printed on the back of your traffic citation.
- By Phone: Certain jurisdictions allow drivers to pay over the phone. Review your specific ticket details to see if this service is provided.
- In Person: You can directly visit the local courthouse or designated administrative office to pay the fine in person.
Fighting or Reducing Your Fine
Sometimes, paying the fine is not the best option, especially if you feel you were unjustly targeted. In these scenarios, speaking with a Wellsburg DUI attorney can be beneficial.
- Contest the Ticket: If you firmly believe that you were wrongfully cited by law enforcement, you reserve the right to dispute the charges in a court of law.
- Request Fine Reduction: You may also contact the court clerk to ask about the possibility of having your total fine amount lowered based on your circumstances.
The Importance of Timely Response
- Avoid Additional Penalties: Failing to respond to your traffic ticket can result in much heavier fines or even the suspension of your driving privileges.
- Code Compliance: Ensure that any action you decide to take complies fully with West Virginia state laws, which strictly govern all traffic violations and their corresponding penalties. A Wellsburg criminal lawyer can help ensure you remain in full compliance with these complex statutes.
Responding quickly and comprehending these options will help you efficiently handle your traffic ticket and avoid unwanted future legal complications.
FINES & PENALTIES
Traffic Violations in West Virginia
When navigating traffic tickets in West Virginia, you must understand that the required fines can vary substantially depending on the specific Brooke County court or local municipality overseeing your case. Here is vital information you should keep in mind:
Payment Deadlines and Additional Charges
- Timely Payment: Be certain to submit your traffic fine payments prior to the designated deadline to prevent any supplementary fees.
- Late Fees: If you fail to meet the payment deadline, mandatory late fees will be added to your original fine total. If your case involves more serious charges, reaching out to a Wellsburg DUI attorney may help you mitigate some of these steep financial penalties.
Traffic Ticket Details
- Ticket Amount: Always review your physical traffic ticket to confirm the precise financial amount you are legally required to pay.
- Deadlines: Pay close attention to the specific due dates printed directly on your citation.
- Penalties: Educate yourself on any extra penalties that could be enforced if your payment is delayed. Always refer to the specific legal codes relevant to your case, and consult the guidance provided by our Wellsburg criminal lawyer for the most accurate and personalized legal advice.
Understanding the DMV Point System
License Suspension Based on Points
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) utilizes a strict point system to track and penalize dangerous driving behaviors. Based on the total number of points you have accumulated, your driver’s license could face suspension.
| 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+ | The license is suspended until the accumulated points are reduced to 11 or fewer. |
Some of the most severe major violations include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
Points for Traffic Violations
Points generated from traffic violations will remain on a driver’s motor vehicle record for two full years after the conviction date, while the actual infraction itself stays on your permanent record for five years. If you are facing severe point accumulation, a Wellsburg DUI attorney can provide essential counsel. Below are common violations and the points associated with them:
| 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 (talking/texting) | 3 |
| Passing violation | 3 |
| Failure to yield | 3 |
| Failure to obey a traffic light | 3 |
| Failure to obey a stop sign | 3 |
| Hazardous driving | 3 |
| Driving left of center | 3 |
| Driving too fast for conditions | 3 |
| Failure to maintain control of the 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
Enrolling in and completing an approved Defensive Driving Course (DDC) can successfully reduce your driving record by three points. However, if your record already displays 14 or more points, taking a DDC will not lift your active suspension. If you are looking at a 30-day suspension because you have 12-13 points, you can avoid it by passing a DDC and paying the required reinstatement fee before your suspension goes into effect. Approved courses must be attended in person.
| 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: A Defensive Driving Course can only be utilized for official point reduction purposes once every 12-month period.
- Online Course Restrictions in West Virginia: Under state regulations, online Defensive Driving Courses are strictly not recognized for point reduction benefits within West Virginia.
MOVING VIOLATIONS
A moving violation occurs when a formal traffic law is violated by a vehicle in motion. Typical examples of this include speeding, running red lights, or operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Non-moving violations, on the other hand, usually involve stationary vehicle issues like illegal parking or broken vehicle equipment.
RESPONDING TO YOUR TICKET
You generally have two primary choices when figuring out how to handle your traffic citation:
Paying the Fine
Paying your West Virginia traffic ticket legally acts as an admission of guilt to the offense. Here is what that entails:
- You waive your right to contest: By paying the money, you surrender your legal right to fight the ticket in court.
- Potential license suspension: Depending on your existing driving history, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) may opt to suspend your West Virginia driver’s license.
- Insurance impact: Admitting guilt to a violation will very likely cause your car insurance rates to increase.
Requesting a Contested Hearing
If you plan to plead “not guilty” to the cited violation, you can formally request a contested hearing at the appropriate Brooke County court. This is accomplished by checking the correct box on your physical ticket and mailing it to the proper address. A Wellsburg criminal lawyer can help you prepare for this hearing, ensuring your side of the story is properly represented.
HIRING A TRAFFIC TICKET LAWYER
Fighting a traffic ticket can significantly help you evade harsh financial penalties, license suspensions, and spiking insurance premiums. Retaining a legal professional is highly recommended, as they will typically:
- Request a contested court hearing on your behalf.
- Seek official discovery for your case to acquire all vital evidence.
- Represent your best interests in front of a judge.
- Negotiate with state prosecutors to get your charges lowered or entirely dismissed.
Contact us
If you currently find yourself dealing with this type of stressful legal situation, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Hire Sean Logue as your dedicated defense counsel. Contact Wellsburg DUI attorney at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group anytime, day or night, at (304) 832-8350 to take advantage of our free initial consultations. Don’t wait to get the legal protection you deserve!