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Speeding Tickets in Metairie, Louisiana
Metairie, Louisiana, located in Jefferson Parish and just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant city of New Orleans, is known for its lively atmosphere, diverse culture, and flourishing communities.
However, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, many residents and visitors find themselves facing the unfortunate consequences of speeding tickets.
Navigating the intricacies of traffic laws and regulations can be a daunting task, but thankfully, there are experienced traffic ticket attorneys in Metairie who specialize in helping individuals fight their speeding tickets.
Our legal professionals at Louisianaspeedingtickets.com are well-versed in Jefferson Parish traffic citations and will manage all court interactions, so you do not have to!
In 2023, drivers who have one speeding ticket on their record pay an average of $2,427 per year for a full coverage policy and $748 per year for minimum coverage. In comparison, the average premium for a policy for a driver with a clean driving record is $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage. [1]
Causes for Traffic Citations
Traffic citations can be issued for a variety of reasons, including:
Speeding:
One of the most common causes of traffic citations is exceeding the posted speed limits. Driving over the speed limit not only puts yourself at risk, but also endangers the safety of other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Speeding tickets can result in hefty fines and increased insurance premiums.
Reckless driving:
Reckless driving encompasses a wide range of dangerous behaviors on the road, such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, running red lights, and illegal passing. This type of behavior not only puts lives at risk but can also lead to serious accidents and injuries. Receiving a citation for reckless driving can have severe consequences, including license suspension and even criminal charges.
Distracted driving:
With the rise of smartphones and other electronic devices, distracted driving has become a significant cause for concern. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and even grooming while driving can all result in citations. Distracted driving takes the driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Running red lights and stop signs:
Ignoring traffic signals (such as red lights and stop signs) is a dangerous behavior that can lead to accidents and traffic citations. Failing to follow these essential rules of the road not only puts yourself at risk but also endangers the lives of other drivers and pedestrians.
Driving under the influence:
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Law enforcement officers are vigilant in identifying impaired drivers and will issue citations and potentially arrest individuals found driving under the influence. Citations for a DUI can result in severe penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and even jail time.
Improper lane usage:
Failing to use designated lanes properly, such as weaving in and out of traffic or failing to signal lane changes, can lead to traffic citations. These behaviors increase the risk of accidents and disrupt the flow of traffic, causing frustration and potential hazards for other drivers.
Vehicle equipment violations:
Traffic citations can also be issued for vehicle equipment violations, such as broken taillights, non-functional headlights, and excessive engine noise. It is important to ensure that your vehicle is in compliance with all safety regulations to avoid these types of citations.
Thousands of Traffic Tickets Issued Annually
One of the most common traffic violations that leads to a multitude of tickets is speeding. With the wide array of roadways in Metairie, drivers often find themselves in a rush and exceed the posted speed limits.
Whether it’s on Jefferson Parish’s busy causeway boulevard or cruising along Veterans Memorial Boulevard, drivers who push the boundaries of speed are likely to encounter law enforcement officers armed with radar guns and a commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users.
For those who find themselves on the receiving end of a traffic citation, seeking the assistance of our skilled traffic ticket attorney can make a significant difference in your case. With years of traffic ticket defense experience, our traffic ticket lawyers understand the intricacies of the law and can provide valuable guidance and representation to help individuals fight their charges.
Consequences of a Speeding Ticket
Receiving a speeding ticket can be a frustrating and costly experience for any driver. Whether you were running late or simply had a lead foot, the consequences of a speeding ticket can extend beyond just paying a fine.
One immediate consequence of a speeding ticket is the financial burden it carries. Speeding fines can vary depending on the severity of the offense and the speed at which you were caught.
In most cases, the fine can range from a few hundred dollars to upwards of a thousand dollars. Not only does this impact your wallet, but it can also strain your budget and potentially affect your ability to cover other essential expenses.
Apart from the financial repercussions, a speeding ticket can also negatively impact your driving record.
Losing your driving privileges can significantly impact your daily life, making it challenging to commute to work, run errands, or even meet personal obligations. A suspended license can create difficulties in obtaining employment and can hinder your ability to fulfill social commitments.
Louisiana participates in the Problem Driver Pointer System (PDPS). The PDPS is a part of the National Driver Register (NDR) and stores all the information on driver’s license histories from all states. The state of Louisiana uses this stored information to determine whether or not a person should receive a driver’s license. The Louisiana OMV still has the right to penalize a driver if too many traffic offenses are committed, both in-state and out-of-state. [2]
Impact on Insurance Rates and Premiums
Perhaps the most significant long-term consequence is the impact on your car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view speeding tickets as a red flag, indicating a higher risk of accidents and unsafe driving behavior. As a result, they often increase your insurance rates once they become aware of the ticket.
These increased premiums can last for several years, resulting in thousands of dollars in additional costs. It’s important to note that the exact increase in premiums will depend on various factors, such as your driving history, the severity of the offense, and the policies of your insurance company.
For example, if you were previously benefiting from safe driver discounts or a good driving record, a speeding ticket can erase those benefits.
The increase in insurance rates can vary, but it is not uncommon for premiums to go up by 10% to 20% or even more. This additional financial burden can be especially challenging if you’re already struggling to make ends meet or if you have multiple traffic violations on your record.
The impact on insurance rates goes beyond just the immediate increase in premiums. As insurance companies determine rates based on risk factors, having a speeding ticket on your record can make it difficult to find affordable coverage in the future.
Some insurance companies may even refuse to provide coverage or may require you to obtain high-risk insurance, which can be significantly more expensive.
If you get two or more speeding tickets in three years, you can likely count on an insurance rate increase. If you get your first and only speeding ticket during this period, however, you may not see an insurance increase at all. Whether you receive a rate increase will depend on several factors, including your insurance company, driving record, insurance history, and in some states, how fast you were traveling when you were cited. [3]
What Should I Do if I Get a Traffic Ticket in Metairie, Louisiana?
Don’t ignore the ticket. Ignoring it will only lead to further complications, such as additional fines, the suspension of your driving privileges, or even a warrant for your arrest. Instead, take immediate action to address the situation.
Carefully read the ticket and make note of the violation you are being charged with, as well as any specific instructions provided. Understanding the nature of your offense can help you determine the best course of action moving forward.
One option is to simply pay the fine and accept the consequences of the ticket. However, it’s important to be aware that paying the fine is an admission of guilt.
If you believe you were wrongly ticketed or want to contest the violation, you have the right to do so.
In this case, it’s advisable to seek professional legal assistance. At Louisianaspeedingticket.com, our lawyers are experienced in Metairie, Louisiana, and can provide you with valuable guidance, and we will fight for your rights in traffic court.
Your attorney will review the circumstances surrounding your ticket, examine the evidence, and determine the best defense strategy for your case. We may consider factors such as inaccuracies in the citation, faulty equipment, or insufficient evidence to support the violation.
When contesting a traffic ticket in Metairie, remember that each case is unique, and the outcome will vary. With the guidance of our knowledgeable attorneys, you have a better chance of achieving a favorable result. This could mean having the charges dismissed, negotiating a reduced fine or penalty, or even receiving a not-guilty verdict.
Sources
[1] Pope, C. (2023, July 13). How much does a speeding ticket cost? Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/speeding-ticket-cost/
[2] J. (2019, February 7). Louisiana DMV Point System: How does it Work? – DMV Connect. DMV Connect. https://dmvconnect.com/louisiana-dmv-point-system/
[3] Do speeding or parking tickets affect insurance rates? (n.d.). Progressive. Retrieved July 20, 2023, from https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-tickets-impact-insurance/