Receiving a stop sign ticket can be a frustrating and stressful experience, especially in CA, where the fine for a stop sign violation is much higher than the national average.
While paying the $237 fine might seem like the quickest and least expensive solution, it can have long-lasting consequences on your driving record and insurance rates. Just one conviction or paid fine could increase your auto insurance rate by 30% or more, even for a first offense.
The Consequences of a Stop Sign Ticket Conviction or Paid Fine
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22450, Special Stops Required, warns in subparagraph “(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.”
When a driver fails to adhere to these instructions, a law enforcement officer (LEO) who sees the infraction could issue a citation. However, there are circumstances when the LEO might be in a good position to see the driver stop before the crosswalk, then roll forward to check traffic, or the stop sign might be obstructed by trees or recently erected.
Therefore, you should always discuss the stop sign ticket with a traffic attorney before you pay the fine or dispute it in traffic court.
According to the Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in California for 2023, CA drivers will pay an average annual premium of $2,291 or $191 monthly. A quick calculation shows that a 30% increase would be a $687.30 annual or $57 monthly premium increase.
What’s more, this increase would apply to every premium for the next three years until the DMV removes the conviction from your motor vehicle driving record (MVR) and your insurance company re-instates your “good driver’s discount.” That’s $2,061.90 over three years, plus the $237 fine. Suddenly, paying the fine doesn’t look like the cheap and easy solution anymore.
In this article, we will explore why it is vital to seek the assistance of a traffic attorney when disputing a stop sign ticket in Hanford Traffic Court in Kings County.
A conviction or paid fine for a stop sign violation in CA can significantly increase your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view traffic violations as a sign of increased risk and will often raise premiums to compensate for that risk. Sometimes, even a single violation can increase insurance premiums for several years.
Why You Need a Traffic Attorney to Dispute a Stop Sign Ticket in Hanford Traffic Court
An experienced traffic attorney can help you dispute a stop sign ticket in CA traffic court to reduce the effect to your insurance rates and driving record. An attorney can present evidence to dispute the charges against you and negotiate with the court to reduce or eliminate the fine and other penalties.
In addition to protecting your driving record and insurance rates, hiring a traffic attorney can also save you time and money in the long run. An attorney can handle the necessary documents and legal proceedings for you, represent you in court relieving you of appearing, and freeing up your time to focus on work, school, family, and friends. Additionally, an attorney can negotiate with the court to potentially reduce your fine or dismiss the charges.
When receiving a stop sign ticket in CA, it is in your best interest to seek the assistance of a traffic attorney. An experienced traffic attorney can help you dispute the ticket, protect your driving record and insurance rates, and negotiate with the court to reduce or eliminate the fine and negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points.
With the help of a traffic attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible result. Don't let a stop sign ticket put a blemish on your driving record and increase your insurance rates. Contact a traffic attorney today to learn more about your options for disputing a stop sign ticket in Kings County Traffic Court.
Contact a Traffic Attorney to Resolve Your Stop Sign Ticket in Kings County, CA
When resolving a stop sign ticket in Hanford Traffic Court, you require a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket defender. Contact Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Likewise, you can use our contact form to make an appointment or send us an email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CVC Section 22450, Special Stops Required.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in California for 2023.