Traffic Tickets

If you receive a traffic ticket in Michigan, do not "just pay it" without speaking to Ian Caldwell. Regardless of what the ticket is for, most traffic tickets carry points which are added on to your driving record. The accumulation of points on your driving record has a lasting effect on your auto insurance payments and can also result in the suspension of your driver’s license. A common misconception is that anyone can just walk into court and ask "to just pay the fine and not get any points." A few years ago, the Michigan Legislature enacted laws which took this power away from judges and magistrates. Therefore, a judge or magistrate does not have control over the addition or subtraction of points on your driving record. The points are determined and added to your record solely by the Secretary of State depending on the violation. As a result, it is extremely important to discuss your matter with an attorney before paying any ticket or going to court. Some of the most common traffic tickets are for:

• Speeding
• Defective Equipment
• Red Light
• Stop Sign
• Amber/Caution Light
• No Proof of Insurance
• Driving in Unsafe Manner
• Fail to Signal
• Fail to Stop Assured Clear Distance
• Fail to Stop for School Bus
• Fail to Stop Leaving a Private Drive
• Following Too Close
• Improper Lane Use
• Improper Passing
• Right Turn on Red Without Stopping
• Driving the Wrong Way on a One Way Lane
• Avoid Traffic Control Device
• Drove through Barricade
• Disobeying Traffic Sign
• Ignoring Yield Sign
• Improper Turn
• No Turn on Red
• Prohibited Turn
• Failing to Yield the Right of Way
• Expired License
• Expired Plates
• Driving in Unsafe Manner for Conditions