A relatively simple mistake on the road can have serious consequences. A relatively basic traffic violation in Georgia could cause a police officer to pull you over, and the resulting traffic stop could lead to much worse penalties than a traffic ticket. It makes sense to avoid these mistakes at all costs, both to avoid traffic tickets and the possibility of legitimate criminal charges.
Forgetting to Turn on Your Headlights
If you drive without your headlights activated, be prepared to be pulled over by the nearest police officer. Not only is this highly dangerous at night, but it is also one of the easiest traffic violations to detect. An officer cannot see whether you are on your phone or whether you are intoxicated behind the wheel. However, they can clearly spot a vehicle without headlights, often from a considerable distance.
Not Getting Certain Repairs Done
Regular maintenance is important for various reasons. First, it may reduce the chances of an accident. Brakes, steering, tires, and many other components can all break down over time, and mechanical failures can certainly cause collisions. Secondly, certain maintenance issues are easy to detect for wary police officers. Something as simple as a broken light could potentially give a police officer the right to pull you over.
Breaking the Speed Limit
Speeding is another violation that is relatively easy to detect for police officers. If you want to avoid being pulled over, you should remain under the speed limit or carefully match the speed of traffic. You should also avoid driving too slow, as this is now a legitimate traffic infraction in Georgia. With all that said, speeding tickets can be difficult to prove, and an experienced speeding defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid consequences.
Not Coming to a Complete Stop at Stop Signs
Even something as simple as failing to stop at a stop sign can give police the right to pull you over. If you want to avoid the stress of a traffic stop, be sure to come to a complete stop. Even “rolling” through a stop sign is technically unlawful in Georgia.
Veering Out of Your Lane
A driver who fails to stay in their lane will probably attract attention from police officers. This is often more than enough reason to pull someone over, as it could be a sign of intoxication or distraction. Try your best to stay inside the lines and only switch lanes after signaling.
Get Help From a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer in Georgia
A traffic ticket lawyer in Georgia could help you fight your ticket. If you face criminal charges due to a traffic stop, you might even be able to avoid consequences by showing that the police had no right to pull you over. If you never committed a traffic infraction, the resulting traffic stop becomes unlawful. As a result, any criminal charges that follow must be dismissed. To learn more about this concept, contact Lankford & Moore Law today.
