Traffic Violations in Mountain Brook

Most licensed drivers know they may be required to pay a fine and face increased insurance premiums if ticketed for a traffic violation. However, since traffic tickets are so common, many drivers do not recognize the full impact of a guilty plea until they face those consequences, at which point the plea cannot be retracted.

Prior to pleading guilty in court or returning a citation with payment, consider the legal options that are available to you. An experienced attorney could help you explore these options and determine the best course of action in your case. A Mountain Brook traffic lawyer

One of the most common traffic violations throughout the country is speeding. Unless otherwise posted, roads in Mountain Brook have statutory speed limits. In urban areas, the maximum speed limit is 30 miles per hour. The limit is generally 55 miles per hour in other areas; however, the speed limit on the interstates can be as high as 65 to 70 miles per hour.

Driving carelessly or with willful or without disregard for the rights and safety of another person or their property is considered reckless driving in Mountain Brook, Alabama. An officer may determine that speeding, changing lanes often, or driving in a manner that may be considered aggressive driving elsewhere may constitute reckless driving. A conviction on such a charge may be punishable with incarceration for five to 90 days on the first offense.

Drivers are obligated to stop when a school bus is stopped with the stop sign extended, provided the street has six lanes or fewer and is not divided with a median or guardrails. Violating this law is punishable by fines of $150 to $300 for the first offense, and a second offense is punishable by maximum fines of $500 and up to 100 hours of community service. After the second offense, a convicted driver risks a driver’s license suspension. When facing a license suspension, it is important to speak with a Mountain Brook traffic lawyer.

As cellular telephones have become more commonplace, the use of them in all settings has also increased. To protect motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and anyone else that shares the road, Alabama has implemented laws related to the use of cellular telephone while driving.

Drivers are prohibited from reading, writing, or sending text messages while driving. Violation of this law is punishable with a $75 fine per offense, after the third offense. Each offense also accrues two points on the driver’s driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles, which can have a direct impact on their insurance rates. Speak with a Mountain Brook traffic lawyer to learn more.

Numerous issues may arise in traffic court. A seasoned traffic attorney in Mountain Brook could help you set realistic expectations based on the violation you were charged with and the possible outcomes, based on the attorney’s prior experience in those cases. To ensure this depiction is realistic, you must provide honest responses to all questions asked and be forthcoming about your driving record.

Commercial drivers typically face more dire consequences for traffic violations, up to and including a revocation of their commercial license that could have a dramatic effect on their ability to remain in a position as a commercial driver. Being a professional driver may also further impact the options available when negotiating if there is a need to do so.

Get in touch with a Mountain Brook traffic lawyer today to get started on your case.