How the Zero Point Failure Charge Prevents PA Traffic Points
It is not just inattentiveness that leads to traffic violations. You might be sleepy from cold medication or suffering from undiagnosed eye problems. And the worst part is, you’ve never violated any traffic rule before! This won’t stop the police officer from writing you a ticket for careless driving.
Since the Pennsylvania Traffic Point System is strict about its guidelines, a ticket like this–or more–can cause increasing problems like points on the driving record. It can also lead to escalating insurance premiums and costly fines. It might also get your driver’s license suspended. A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer, in this case, can help you avoid or reduce these issues.
Brief Overview of the PA Traffic Point System
The state of Pennsylvania follows a point system. Here, the drivers are given points based on their driving record. And this record depends upon offense convictions. In the Points System, drivers are subjected to sanctions, which can be severe. Even if you have a clean record, some serious offenses can lead to instant license suspensions.
Careless vs Reckless Driving
As we mentioned above, traffic violations can happen for several reasons. According to the Points System, the driver will be subject to certain sanctions, and it leaves a permanent mark on their record. Even for someone who has never had offenses charged against them, this can be where it begins. The first strike might be lenient, but it also leaves the door open for further escalation, even on minor offences. That’s why it’s important to determine whether the driving was careless or reckless.
Careless driving is less serious than reckless driving. In reckless driving, the Commonwealth has defined it as intentionally driving, disregarding the safety of others. In careless driving, the driver did not intentionally act.
For example, your undiagnosed eye problem leads to you missing the red light. Therefore, if your physical faculties fail, you will be charged with careless driving. The arresting police officer might not consider the difference. This is where a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer must step in.
If found guilty, careless driving is a summary offense. Three points will be added to your record. However, if you have had a period of safe driving, and your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can prove you were compromised physically, it can become a Zero Point Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device.
What is the Zero Point Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device Charge?
A Zero Point Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device charge in PA usually refers to Section 3111 of the Vehicle Code violation. This particular code addresses obedience to traffic-control devices. The “zero point” aspect indicates that the specific violation won’t add points to your driving record. And this is relevant if it’s the first point after a period of safe driving (12 consecutive months). However, it’s important to know that this doesn’t imply the dismissal of the violation or lack of consequences. There’s still a fine and court costs you will have to pay. There might be other penalties associated with the special circumstances of the offense.
Our team at Logue Law Group knows how critical it is to maintain a clean driving record, especially after a period of safe driving. We defend you from facing tickets and citations related to many such offenses. Our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers are experts at taking action to reduce or eliminate points and suspensions.