Multiple moving violations attract a license suspension, but it is not automatic. The government will give you a chance to defend yourself before suspending your license. You need to prepare yourself for the hearing; arm yourself with enough evidence to convince the hearing officer to let you keep the license. Here are some of the three tips to use:
Argue the Individual Violations Contributing To the Points
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles determines the number of violations that lead to a license suspension. Most states use a point system, with each violation attracting particular points. For example, New York State will suspend your license if you incur 11 points within 18 months.
Defend yourself by targeting the individual violations that have contributed to your point tally. For example, if you feel that a ticket issued for driving 20 MPH over the speed limit wasn't justified, you need to prove why you think it was a mistake. You may also be required to explain why you did not complain at the time.
Prove Hardship
Let the hearing officer know about any extreme hardship you may face if your license is revoked. For example, if your job entails driving (that is you must drive if you have to work), let the hearing officer know about it. Another serious hardship you may claim is your need to drive your kids to school; this is weighty if they don't have alternative means of going to school. This alone may not save your license, but it will add weight to your claim if you present it alongside the other defenses.
Mention How Much You Drive Per Year
If you are a high-mileage driver, point this out to the officer so that he or she can see you are more likely to get into accidents than the average driver. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the average American drives 13,476 miles per year. So if you drive much more than this, for example, 17,000 miles annually, then you are more likely to experience a traffic incident than an average driver. This doesn't necessarily make you a dangerous motorist, and this is the point you want to put across to the officer.
Depending on the circumstances of your violations, it may be best to consult a lawyer (like those at Herbert Law Firm LLC) before facing the hearing officer. For example, the lawyer may help you with tips for discrediting the individual violations that led up to your accumulated points.
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