CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Vehicle Code Crimes

Los Angeles’ Strict Traffic Code: What Drivers Need to Know
Los Angeles is commonly referred to as the “Land of Cars,” and with over five million registered drivers, it’s not hard to see why. However, this also means that the city is faced with significant vehicle problems. As a result, Los Angeles boasts one of the toughest Motor Vehicle Conduct Codes in the country, Chapter 10.4 Vehicle and Traffic Code. The code, which applies to both the city and county of Los Angeles, features over a hundred and sixty sections, covering a variety of topics from transporting dogs in open vehicles to speed limits over speed bumps on private streets.

Unfortunately, the length and dry nature of the code make it difficult for many Los Angeles drivers to be compliant. Failing to adhere to a section or amendment can result in the offender being pulled over by law enforcement, which is not something to be taken lightly. Needless to say, a citation and a subsequent point or points placed by the Department of Motor Vehicles on your driver’s license could have serious repercussions, even if you are not handcuffed or taken to the station.

Points System
If you violate one of the sections of Chapter 10.4, you will receive a citation resulting in points placed on your driver’s license by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Almost all auto insurance companies penalize drivers with points. Equally troublesome, if you earn a specific amount of points on your license, it can be suspended or even permanently revoked – a sobering prospect for any driver. Many may agree that points are deserved for deliberately reckless or habitually drunken drivers, but some violations of traffic code criteria might come as a surprise, such as braking with a missing brake light can earn you a point on your driver’s license. Likewise, tailgating or having items that could obstruct your view visible could also earn you a point, while getting an out of state traffic ticket may have consequences in Los Angeles, including a point being placed on your license.

For three years, minor traffic offenses will remain on your license, and more points against it could result in serious consequences, including:

having four points within a year
having six points within two years
having eight points within three years

The above offences may result in a driver’s license suspension for six months.

More Serious Offenses
Some acts that are deemed more serious or repeatedly occur can earn drivers two points on their license. Such offences include repeat drunk driving offenses, certain traffic violations, hit and run accidents, drag racing, driving at speeds over one hundred miles per hour, or driving on a suspended or revoked license. These points generally stay on a license for a decade.

Getting Help with Violations
Paying for a traffic violation does not remove any points from your driving record, and it’s not advisable as hiring an attorney might offer a better outcome. An experienced lawyer can help drivers fight these citations in several ways, including:

helping to dismiss tickets due to errors
pleading-bargaining better outcomes for clients
preventing clients from being used by prosecutors or judges

If you have code issues, it doesn’t mean you have to give up driving. Consider hiring an attorney today – we can offer consultation on how to keep your license and the laws that might be beneficial to you!

Summary
In Los Angeles, strict laws govern driving, designed to keep all drivers safe. The laws may be lengthy, but adhering to them can keep you out of harm’s way. When charged with noncompliance, consult an attorney instead of paying traffic fees, as it can have other legal implications. By following traffic laws, it is possible to drive safely on LA’s heavily congested and often dangerous roads.