Receiving a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania can have consequences beyond simply paying a fine. Depending on how fast you were driving over the posted speed limit, PennDOT may assess points against your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to various legal consequences. A criminal defense lawyer in Lancaster, PA, can help you understand Pennsylvania’s complex point system and what legal options are available in your unique situation.
Pennsylvania’s Driver’s License Point System
Pennsylvania uses a point system to track traffic violations and identify drivers who may pose a risk on the road. Under 75 Pa.C.S. § 1535, points are assigned for various traffic offenses, including speeding violations. Those points can lead to license suspension and other penalties if they build up over time. The number of points added to your record depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit:
- 2 points for driving 6 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit
- 3 points for driving 11 to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit
- 4 points for driving 16 to 25 miles per hour over the speed limit
- 5 points for driving 26 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit
- Driving 31 miles per hour or more over the speed limit also results in 5 points and may lead to additional PennDOT review or penalties.
Pennsylvania also imposes stricter consequences for certain violations in special areas, such as school zones and active work zones, where speeding or unsafe driving can lead to higher penalties and possible suspension of driving privileges.
Points are generally added to a driver’s record only if the conviction is reported to PennDOT within six months of the violation. If multiple violations occur from the same incident, PennDOT may not assign separate points for overlapping offenses, such as careless driving combined with another related violation.
What Happens If You Accumulate Too Many Points?
As points accumulate on your driving record, PennDOT may require you to take additional steps to maintain your driving privileges. Drivers who reach six points for the first time may be required to pass a written examination to avoid a license suspension. Additional point accumulations can lead to special hearings, mandatory driver improvement courses, and suspension of driving privileges.
The consequences become more severe for repeat violations. In addition to PennDOT penalties, multiple speeding convictions can negatively affect your insurance premiums and driving history.
Speak With Experienced Lancaster Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you have received a speeding ticket and are concerned about points on your Pennsylvania driver’s license, the legal team at Chieppor & Egner can help. Attorneys Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner previously served in the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, giving them valuable insight into how traffic and criminal cases are prosecuted. Today, they use that experience to advocate for individuals throughout Lancaster County, York County, and Berks County.
Contact our firm online today or by calling 717-393-1400 to discuss your case in a free evaluation and learn how our experienced criminal defense lawyers in Lancaster can help protect your driving record and your future.
