How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? One question often asked by people the police have been stopped and issued a ticket for going too fast. As seasoned lawyers we realize that drivers see it as a slap on the wrist if they don’t appear in court, believing there are no severe consequences for it.
The reverse is the case, as no court appearance means that you receive points on your driving record. If accumulated over time, the points could make things complicated for you, hinder your ease of movement, and put a dent in your record. This article will shed light on how the Maryland points system works and how long it would stay on your record.
What Is the Maryland Point System?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration uses the driving records point system to monitor how safe drivers are on the roadway. Theoretically, a person with points on their record is a worse driver than the one who doesn’t have any, and it is a red light to insurance companies.
It means that more points will cause your insurance company to increase your policy. Additionally, if you receive eight to twelve points, Maryland law provides that you either have your license suspended or entirely revoked. If you are a commercial driver, like a bus or cab, accumulating points will cause you to lose your job as your employer can’t trust you with passengers’ safety.
Can You Avoid Getting Speeding Ticket Points on Your Driver’s Record?
The simple and only answer to this question is yes! You can avoid getting points on your driver’s record for speeding tickets. One way to do this is by ensuring you don’t pay the ticket sum without speaking to a Maryland attorney.
Once you accept the blame by paying for the ticket, it instantly puts points on your driving record, and you will have to go through a rigorous process to expunge it. Note that the speeding ticket on the face of it will not show that you got a point.
Always assume that all tickets have points and get a lawyer involved to discover the truth. Another way to avoid accruing points is to appear in court and let a judge decide. It is also vital that you have legal representation at this point, as the attorney will evaluate the evidence and provide advice on whether or not to proceed to trial.
How Long Do Speeding Ticket Points Stay on a Driving Record in Maryland?
Although you can avoid getting points for speeding on your driving record, how long would they stay if you happen to get them? Under Maryland law, the points will remain for two years from the date of the traffic violation.
It means that if the police issue you a speeding ticket and you pay for it on that same day, you will receive points for speeding on your record. The points will remain until the second anniversary of the issuance.
If you get another ticket within the two years time frame, the point you get will run concurrently with the first one. When the latter ends, the second will continue to run until its two years elapse.
How to Expunge Speeding Ticket Points From Your Driving Record?
In Maryland, expungement is the removal of points and violations from your driving record. It helps you delete your past violations’ details and gives you a clean slate to begin afresh.
Expungements are under the purview of the Motor Vehicle Administration. Under the two year rule, the MVA will expunge the points if the driver can prove that within that time they:
- Were not convicted of another traffic violation or criminal offense;
- Did not have their driver’s license suspended or revoked; or
- Were not convicted by a grand jury or granted probation before judgment for fleeing the scene of an accident with injury or death, DUI, DWI, or other similar offenses.
If you fail to meet any of the criteria mentioned above, you will not get an automatic expungement, but don’t lose hope. The law allows you to apply for manual expungement, but getting it depends on your case’s facts and the time you’ve had the points on your record.
Get Legal Help at Pinder Plotkin LLC!
Sometimes, a speeding ticket is a small part of a bigger problem. You can get into a car accident that results in injuries or death, making the need for an attorney all the more relevant. At Pinder Plotkin LLC, we can help you avoid getting a ticket on your record and represent you in a criminal or civil lawsuit. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
