Every Georgia driver dreads that sudden flash of red and blue in the rearview mirror—speeding, running a red light, or missing a signal has countless of us scrambling for answers. That’s exactly why “How To Deal With Georgia Traffic Tickets: The Ultimate Q&A Guide” exists.
Packed with answers that protect your license, your wallet, and even your job if you’re a CDL driver, it’s your one‑stop resource when traffic court looms. Curious what comes next? You’re about to find out.
Table Of Contents
Q: What are the most common traffic tickets issued in Georgia?
Q: What should I do during a traffic stop to protect myself?
Q: I got a traffic ticket. What now?
Q: What if I get a ticket in the mail?
Q: What if I get a notification about a ticket by text message?
Q: Why is simply paying a ticket a bad idea?
Q: What are the short‑term vs. long‑term consequences of a ticket?
Q: How does the Georgia Points System work, and how many points do common traffic infractions carry?
Q: How can a poor driving record prevent you from employment opportunities?
Q: Why is it critical for CDL and professional drivers to fight every ticket?
Q: Which traffic violations can lead to arrest?
Q: Why choose The Ticket Clinic?
Q: How do I hire The Ticket Clinic?
Q: Which Georgia counties are the most common places to get a traffic ticket?
Q: What are the most common traffic tickets issued in Georgia?
You see the blue lights, your heart jumps, and it’s almost always one of these:
Speeding – especially 10–20 mph over the limit; it’s practically a ritual on I‑75.
Running red lights or stop signs – intersection cameras don’t blink.
Improper lane change or failure to signal – minor but easy to spot.
Driving with suspended license – automatic court date.
Expired registration or insurance lapses – common but costly.
Super Speeder violations also rake in fines across the state. Get caught doing 85+ mph anywhere, and there’s an extra $200 fine slapped on top.
Q: What should I do during a traffic stop to protect myself?
This moment can get tense real fast. Best advice? Stay calm, visible, and respectful.
Pull over immediately and safely.
Turn off the engine, roll down your window.
Keep your hands on the wheel where the officer can see them.
Don’t dig for anything unless asked.
Speak clearly, don’t argue roadside.
In Georgia, refusing to sign a citation is no longer arrest-worthy, thanks to a 2024 law update—but skipping court still gets your license flagged.
Q: I got a traffic ticket. What now?
Now it’s time to act—don’t wait around thinking it’ll vanish.
Option 1: Pay the ticket (guilty plea).
Option 2: Contest it in court.
Check the citation: it’ll list your court, fine, and deadline. Miss it, and you’re looking at a bench warrant or license suspension.
Q: What if I get a ticket in the mail?
Don’t ignore it thinking it’s junk. Mailed tickets—especially from school zone speed cameras—carry real weight.
Pay it by the due date listed.
If you think it’s wrong, request a hearing.
Non-payment? Your vehicle registration can be blocked.
Q: What if I get a notification about a ticket by text message?
Sounds fishy? It probably is. Georgia doesn’t send official citations via text.
Treat these as potential scams.
Confirm ticket status through your local court or the Georgia DDS website.
Q: Why is simply paying a ticket a bad idea?
It feels easier to just pay and move on, but you’re trading short-term relief for long-term pain.
It adds points to your record.
It affects insurance rates for years.
It stays visible to employers and courts.
You lose the chance to reduce or dismiss it.
Some drivers qualify for a Nolo Contendere plea—once every 5 years—to avoid points, but it still counts as a conviction.
Q: What are the short‑term vs. long‑term consequences of a ticket?
Short-term:
Fines, sometimes hundreds of dollars.
Lost time dealing with courts.
Stress, confusion, and maybe a hit to your pride.
Long-term:
Points on your record (which last 2 years).
Hiked-up insurance premiums.
CDL or job application issues.
License suspension if the points stack up.
Q: How does the Georgia points system work, and how many points do common traffic infractions carry?
Speeding (15–18 mph): 2 points
Speeding (19–23 mph): 3 points
Speeding (24–33 mph): 4 points
Speeding (34+ mph): 6 points
Running red light: 3 points
Reckless driving: 4 points
Improper passing of school bus: 6 points
Driving without license: 3 points
Failure to yield: 3 points
6 points in 2 years triggers a warning letter. 15+? You’re at serious risk of license suspension.
Drivers under 21 get it even worse—just 4 points can cause a license suspension.
Q: How can a poor driving record prevent you from employment opportunities?
Many employers—especially those hiring for driving, deliveries, or client visits—will check your MVR (Motor Vehicle Report). A messy one shows:
Lack of responsibility
Risk for accidents or insurance claims
Possible DUI or criminal charges
CDL drivers can’t afford even one misstep. And in some industries (like insurance or education), a record can be a dealbreaker.
Q: Why is it critical for CDL and professional drivers to fight every ticket?
One ticket can be catastrophic for commercial drivers. Here’s why:
Lower thresholds for disqualification (even 2 violations in 3 years).
No Nolo plea allowed.
Employer insurance skyrockets or policies get dropped.
Job loss—even for minor infractions.
Fighting every charge isn’t optional—it’s job protection.
Q: Which traffic violations can lead to arrest?
DUI or drugged driving
Reckless driving
Eluding law enforcement
Hit and run
Driving on a suspended license
Racing on highways or city streets
Each one could land you in jail and destroy your driving record for years.
Q: Why choose The Ticket Clinic?
We’ve been around for 35+ years, defending traffic tickets across the U.S.—and yes, we cover ALL of Georgia now.
Flat fees (starting at $149.95)
No points, no record—if they win
They appear in court so you don’t have to
Free case review
Q: How do I hire The Ticket Clinic?
Text a pic of your ticket to 305305
Or visit our Georgia site
Call the hotline for a free consultation
To get a quote is quick and easy.
Q: Which Georgia counties are the most common places to get a traffic ticket?
Some counties seem to hand out tickets like Halloween candy:
Poulan – famous for speed traps
Cobb & Gwinnett – high-volume red light camera usage
Fulton & DeKalb (Atlanta) – dense traffic, lots of violations
Clayton – big hub for license and insurance checks
Wherever the tickets rain down hardest, it usually follows traffic congestion, enforcement funding, or over-zealous local policy.
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The Ticket Clinic Georgia
We are the largest law firm in the United States to focus soley on traffic-related offenses and traffic tickets. Over +35 years in business, we have developed deep knowledge about traffic court procedure and traffic laws Our goal is to help keep drivers stay informed about legal issues that could affect them on the road. In our blog content, we like to explore insights in traffic ticket trends and other related issues.
