Major traffic violations to avoid in Georgia

Are you aware of the severe penalties that can be imposed following certain traffic offenses in Georgia? From aggressive driving to hit and run to DUIs, understanding the major traffic violations that can land you in hot water is integral for making sure your day on the road goes by without any incidents. It’s important to know not only what these infractions are but also how to avoid them – keep reading as we discuss each major violation, their consequences, and steps you can take proactively so that a casual drive doesn’t result in a hefty fine.

Overview of Georgia’s Traffic Laws and What Makes a Traffic Violation “Major”

Georgia’s traffic laws can be complex and sometimes confusing, but they are put in place to ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. Understanding the difference between a minor and a major traffic violation is crucial, as the consequences of a major violation can be severe. Major violations include driving under the influence, aggressive driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident, all of which put the lives of others at risk. It’s important to stay informed on Georgia’s traffic laws and to always follow them to avoid any potential penalties or harm to yourself or others on the road. By driving responsibly and staying up-to-date on the laws, we can all help make Georgia’s roads safer for everyone. Let’s look at few of these major traffic violations in more detail.

Aggressive Driving – Definition, Penalties, and How to Avoid It

Aggressive driving is a behavior on the road that endangers all drivers and passengers, as well as pedestrians and cyclists. Specifically, what makes it “aggressive” instead of simply “reckless” or unsafe is that the driver has the intent to annoy, harass, molest, intimidate, injure, or obstruct another person by their driving behavior. It can take many forms, such as speeding, tailgating, cutting off other drivers, and weaving in and out of traffic lanes. Not only is it dangerous, but aggressive driving can also lead to serious legal consequences upon conviction with fines of up to $1,000, 6 points added to your license, and potential jail time of up to 12 months. It is considered a high and aggravated misdemeanor in Georgia, and usually results in an arrest. This means that, if arrested, you will have the arrest put on your permanent criminal record, even if the charges are later reduced.

Additionally, if you are under the age of 21, a conviction for aggressive driving will result in your license being suspended for at least 6 months. You will have to take a Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) defensive driving course and pay a $210 reinstatement fee in order to get your license back after the suspension period is up.

Fortunately, there are ways to avoid engaging in aggressive driving behavior. Proactively planning routes and leaving plenty of time to reach your destination can prevent the urge to speed or rush. Additionally, finding ways to cope with stress and anger can help you stay calm while on the road. Utilize breathing techniques and do not take any retaliatory action for when other drivers cut you off or are rude to you on the road. Remember, taking a few extra minutes to arrive safely is always worth it.

Hit and Run – Definition, Penalties, and How to Avoid It

Georgia law requires that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person, or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person, shall immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident or shall stop as close as possible, and then shall do the following:

Give their name and address and the registration number of the vehicle they are driving;
Upon request and if it is available, exhibit their driver’s license to the person struck, or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;
Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transporting is requested by the injured person; and
Where a person injured in such accident is unconscious, appears deceased, or is otherwise unable to communicate, make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted for the purpose of reporting the accident and making a request for assistance.

The driver must stay at the scene of the accident until they fulfill all these requirements. And they should stop without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle, property, or person, and leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid, as required by the law stated above. It is a serious crime in Georgia that can result in severe penalties upon conviction. These penalties include fines starting at $300 and up to $1,000.00, potential jail time of up to $1,000.00, and 4 points on your license. If you are under 21, your license will get suspended for at least 6 months. Some judges may require you to take a defensive driving course or do community service hours as well. And most jurisdictions will put you on probation for up to 12 months, during which time you’ll have to report to your probation officer as directed and pay a monthly supervision fee.

Also, in some cases, hit and run accidents can lead to fatalities or life-altering injuries. This is not only dangerous, but also opens you up to civil lawsuits by the victims or injured persons. As a responsible driver, it is crucial to avoid any behavior that can lead to a hit and run accident. Always drive with care and attention, obey traffic laws, and never drink and drive. If you are involved in an accident, stay at the scene and provide your contact and insurance information to the affected parties. Remember, it is not only a moral obligation but also a legal requirement to stop and assist anyone who may be injured in an accident.

DUIs – Definition, Penalties, and How to Avoid Them

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that carries severe consequences. DUIs occur when an individual operates a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or both. Penalties for a first DUI conviction in Georgia are as follows:

License suspension for one year.
Jail time of at least 24 hours and up to 12 months.
Probation for 12 months minus the time you spent in jail. While on probation you have to pay a monthly supervisory fee and you must report as directed. If you fail to abide by the terms of your probation or if you commit another crime, you could go to jail for the rest of your 12 months left on probation.
Fines starting at $300 and up to $1,000, plus court costs and fees that usually double or triple the fine amount.
Attending and completing a Drug or Alcohol DUI Risk Reduction Course.
Getting evaluated for substance abuse by a certified counselor and following any and all recommended treatment.
Community service hours, usually 40 hours.
Possible attendance of a MADD or other type of victim impact panel.

It is important to understand the risks involved in driving impaired and to take preventative measures to avoid it. This includes having a sober designated driver, using ride-sharing services, or simply not getting behind the wheel if you have consumed any amount of alcohol, or taken any drugs, including prescription drugs if they will impair your ability to drive. By taking responsible steps, we can ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the road.

Driving on Suspended License – Definition, Penalties, and How to Stay Safe

Driving on a suspended license is a serious offense in Georgia with severe consequences. It means that the driver continues to operate a vehicle even though their license has been temporarily or permanently revoked by a court or DDS.

First, second and third offenses are misdemeanors, with high fines and mandatory jail time, starting at 2 days and up to 12 months. Fourth and subsequent convictions are felonies and result in prison time. Plus, your license is further suspended.

It is important to note that driving on a suspended license not only puts the driver in legal trouble, but also endangers themselves and others on the road. To stay safe and avoid legal repercussions, it is important to comply with all driving regulations and to never operate a vehicle on a suspended license.

Unlawful Passing of a School Bus – Definition, Penalties, and How to Stay Safe

The unlawful passing of a school bus is a serious offense that jeopardizes the safety of children. In Georgia, it is illegal to pass a school bus with its stop arm extended or its warning lights flashing. A conviction of this offense will result in a hefty 6 points on your license – and if you are driver under the age of 21, your license will be suspended for at least 6 months. You’ll also pay fines of up to $1,000 and possibly even go to jail for up to 12 months. Drivers 21 and older will still be at risk for this high level of points, as once you get 15 or more points in a 24 month period, your license is automatically suspended.

To avoid these severe consequences, it is crucial to stay vigilant when driving near school buses. Always stop and wait when you see a school bus with flashing lights, whether you are behind it or going in the opposite direction. By obeying traffic laws and putting the safety of children first, we can help prevent tragedies and keep our roads safe for everyone.

In Closing

To conclude, each major traffic violation listed in this blog post should be taken very seriously by all Georgia drivers. Educating oneself on the definitions, penalties, and avoidance strategies for each violation is the first step in being a safe, responsible driver. Although it may seem daunting to browse and memorize Georgia’s traffic laws, doing so could not only save you time and money in the long run but might even save a life. Remember, whether you’re an experienced driver or just getting your learner’s permit, stay mindful of your driving habits at all times to keep everyone safe on the road.