Can you pay to remove points from your driver’s license?

If you’re a driver in Georgia with points on your license, you may be wondering if there’s any way to remove them. The answer is both yes and no. While you can’t simply pay a fee and have points removed from your record, there are a few options available. One way to have points removed is to complete a driver improvement course. These courses are designed to provide drivers with a refresher on safe driving practices, and completing one can result in up to seven points being removed from your license. Another option is to wait it out. Points do have an expiration date, and after two years, they will no longer be counted against you. While the process of removing points from your Georgia driver’s license may not be as simple as submitting a payment, it is possible to get back on the road with a clean slate.

Pre-Conviction: Attorney Negotiations for Lower or No Points Assessed

Hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Georgia can be an effective strategy for dealing with traffic violations, especially if you’re looking to avoid having points assessed on your driving record. With their extensive knowledge of traffic laws and experience in negotiating with courts, these attorneys can often help you reach a favorable outcome by negotiating on your behalf for lower or no points.

In many cases, the attorney’s negotiation efforts may involve having you agree to pay a larger fine, complete community service hours, or attend a defensive driving course in exchange for not having points added to your record. However, it’s important to note that this option is generally more feasible for those with a fairly clean driving history. If you have a good track record, hiring a traffic ticket attorney in Georgia could potentially save you from the negative consequences of accumulating points on your license, such as increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension.

Pre-Conviction: Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Plea – Only if 21 or older

If you are 21 years or older, you have the option to enter a nolo contendere (or no contest) plea in response to your Georgia traffic ticket. This can be a useful strategy for avoiding points being assessed to your driving history. By entering this plea, you essentially accept the consequences of the violation without admitting guilt. You will still be required to pay fines and fees associated with the ticket, as well as fulfill any other requirements, such as taking a defensive driving course.

However, the significant advantage of a nolo contendere plea is that you can prevent points from being added to your driving record. This option is only available once every five years and is not applicable for individuals under the age of 21. It’s worth noting that navigating the legal process for entering a nolo contendere plea can be complex, and you may need the assistance of an experienced attorney to ensure your plea is properly submitted and accepted by the court. By utilizing this legal option, you can potentially protect your driving record and avoid the negative consequences that often accompany the accumulation of points.

Pre-Conviction: Zero-Point Order – any age

Drivers in Georgia also have the opportunity to request a “Zero-Point Order” for their traffic ticket case once every five years. This option is available even if you’re under the age of 21. To qualify for this, you must complete a Department of Driver Services (DDS)-approved defensive driving course. Upon successful completion of the course, you can petition the court to grant a Zero-Point Order, which would prevent any points from being added to your driving record as a result of the traffic violation.

If the court accepts your request, not only will your driving record remain free of points for this charge, but you will also benefit from a 20% reduction in the fines associated with the traffic ticket. It’s important to note that navigating this process can be complex, and seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney may be necessary to ensure your request is properly submitted and considered by the court. By taking advantage of the Zero-Point Order, you can potentially minimize the financial and long-term consequences associated with traffic violations while maintaining a clean driving record.

Pre- or Post-Conviction: Points Reduction Transaction – any age

In Georgia, drivers have the option to proactively reduce points on their driver’s license by completing a Department of Driver Services (DDS)-approved defensive driving course – also called a driver improvement course. This can lead to a reduction of up to 7 points on your driving record, and you are allowed to take advantage of this opportunity once every five years. However, it is crucial to complete the course before your accumulated points reach the suspension threshold, which is 15 or more points within 24 months for drivers over the age of 18, and 4 or more points within 12 months for drivers under the age of 18 – otherwise, the reduction will not keep your license from the automatic points-based suspension.

By taking a DDS-approved defensive driving course, you can not only improve your driving skills but also potentially prevent the negative consequences associated with having too many points on your license, such as increased insurance premiums and license suspension. It’s worth noting that you can use this point reduction strategy in conjunction with the Zero-Point Order and a nolo contendere plea, all within the same five-year period, provided you still have those options available to you. Utilizing these various methods can help you maintain a cleaner driving record and avoid the penalties that come with accumulating points on your license.

How Do I Find a Defensive Driving Course?

To find and take a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)-approved defensive driving or driver improvement course, it’s essential to know that these courses must be taken in a classroom setting and cannot be completed online. The courses are designed to be a minimum of 6 hours long, providing comprehensive instruction on safe driving practices, traffic laws, and accident prevention techniques.

To locate a DDS-approved defensive driving course near you, visit the official Georgia DDS website at https://online.dds.ga.gov/ddsgeorgiagov/locations/driver-improvement-schools.aspx. This webpage provides a list of approved schools, which can be sorted by name, city, or county, making it easy to find a suitable course in your area.

Once you have identified a nearby DDS-approved school, contact them directly to inquire about course schedules, fees, and registration procedures. Be sure to complete the entire course and obtain any necessary documentation or certification to confirm your successful completion. By taking a Georgia DDS-approved defensive driving course, you can enhance your driving skills, potentially reduce points on your license, and contribute to safer roadways for everyone.

To Sum It Up

In conclusion, the question of whether or not you can pay to remove points from your Georgia driver’s license is multi-faceted. While it may not be possible to simply pay to have points removed, there are several approaches one can take to negotiate for low or no points. For those over 21, pleading nolo contendere is an option. And for drivers of any age, you can try seeking a zero-point order. Additionally, taking a defensive driving course can net you seven points off your record once every 5 years. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that any of these paths may require the assistance of an attorney or some form of legal representation. By taking action and advocating for yourself, however, you can work towards minimizing the impact of points on your driving record.