Pennsylvania's Vehicle Code prohibits licensed state motorists from committing moving and non-moving violations while behind the wheel. When a driver is caught committing any of the infractions listed in the code, they are cited with a traffic ticket.
One of the most common moving violations is the failure to stop at a red light - 75 Pa.C.S.A § 3112(a)(3)(i) or (ii). Although it may seem like a minuscule traffic crime, some motorists may find themselves having to deal with dire legal repercussions all due to issuing of this citation.
If you have recently been ticketed for failing to stop at a red light, you need a knowledgeable traffic attorney to assist help to weigh your options. An attorney will also be able to help you respond to a traffic citation the right away to avoid a disastrous outcome.
Pennsylvania's Point System
Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation, commonly known as PennDOT, adheres to a point system for traffic offenses. The point system was created to improve driver's safety in the state by keeping motorists accountable for their driving habits. It also gives drivers the opportunity to correct bad driving behaviors to avoid legal penalties.
When a licensed state motorist is found guilty of a traffic infraction, a series of “points” are marked on his or her driving record. Once a driver receives a total of six points, corrective action will be taken against a motorist. In the state of Pennsylvania, the failure to stop for a red light is 3 points. Which means that this citation, coupled with other common traffic infractions, such as the failure to stop for a stop sign, or yield at a yield sign could lead to legal repercussions.
Penalties
The failure to stop at a red light will lead to a fine ranging from $25 to $100. If this violation brings your total of accumulated points to at least six points, you will be required to take a driver's safety exam that must be completed within 30 days. If this exam is passed, two points will be erased from your driving record.
If this citation has contributed to the accumulation of six points a second time, you will have to attend a DMV hearing, where an examiner will decide to impose either a 15-day license suspension or order you to take a driver's education course.
A subsequent accumulation of six points due to the failure to stop for a red light will lead to another DMV hearing. However, this hearing will inevitably result in the 30-day suspension of your license.
Defenses
There is a wide range of defenses that could possibly be applicable in your case for this traffic offense. Perhaps conditions obscured your view of a red light until it was too late to stop, or you are sure that your vehicle entered the intersection before the light turned red. Discussing these details with an attorney will maximize your chances of getting this traffic offense dismissed.
Philadelphia Traffic Attorney
Being convicted of a traffic offense may lead to relatively dire repercussions. Acquired traffic offenses can compromise your driving privileges and your freedom if they aren't handled appropriately. With the help of a legal professional, you will be able to avoid these issues. Contact skilled traffic attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
