Why License Points Matter So Much in Georgia

The Georgia DDS (Department of Driver Services) uses a “15 points in 24 months” license suspension points system for adult drivers, and a 4‑point suspension rule for drivers under 21. If you get convicted of speeding for example 3 points or more will be added to your driving record. These demerit points will fall off in 24 months, but if you reach 15 total points in that 2-year window your license will be suspended. That is why it is so important to hire one of our traffic ticket lawyers any time you get a citation in Fulton, Gwinnett, Forsyth, or Cobb County.

You can check how many points you have by visiting the GA DDS website. We regularly see people who came to us only after the person received a suspension letter from the GA DDS. Our defense options are limited at that point, but we take on the case and begin grinding for the truth.

If you’re looking to clear existing points from your Georgia driver’s license, the most effective method is to complete a certified defensive driving (Driver Improvement) course. After successful completion, submit your certificate to the Georgia DDS either in-person or by mail to request a reduction. You can remove up to 7 points once every five years. It’s wise to check your DDS profile regularly and act proactively if you’ve received recent violations.

How Many Points to Suspend a License in Georgia?

Georgia’s point system is designed to penalize repeat traffic violators and unsafe driving:

Drivers age 21 and over: 15 points in a 24-month period leads to suspension.

Drivers under 21: Any single conviction for an offense worth 4 points or more triggers a suspension.

Drivers under 18: 4 points in 12 months results in suspension.

Suspension periods can range from six months to two years for repeat offenders, and reinstatement usually requires a fee and completion of a defensive driving course. First and second suspensions allow for a restricted driving permit, but after a third, no permit is available within five years.

How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket in GA?

Georgia assigns points to your license for speeding based on how far you exceed the speed limit:

15–18 mph over the limit: 2 points

19–23 mph: 3 points

24–33 mph: 4 points

34 mph or more: 6 points

“Super Speeder” violations (excessively high-speed tickets) carry additional fines of $200 and, if unpaid, result in automatic suspension and further penalties. For drivers under 21, even a 4-point speeding ticket is grounds for suspension.

Multiple speeding infractions in a short period can quickly add up, so consider talking to one of our traffic ticket lawyers during a free in-person consultation if you’re at risk. Attorneys Larry Kohn and Cory Yager have handled thousands of traffic ticket cases around Atlanta for many years. Larry and Cory have represented clients in traffic court who were charged with speeding, super speeding, reckless driving, and even DUI. (404) 567-5515.

How Long Do Points Stay on Your License in GA?

Points in Georgia remain on your driving record for 2 years (24 months) from the date of conviction. Each violation’s points are counted and expire individually, so if you received 3 points on August 11, 2025, they’ll be gone by August 11, 2027. However, the underlying offense may stay on your record for insurance purposes for up to seven years.

Insurance companies often review your entire driving history for three or more years, which means you might see rate impacts even after points expire. Defensive driving courses can reduce your points sooner, but only once every five years.

Call Atlanta traffic lawyers Cory Yager and Larry Kohn at (404) 567-5515 to set up a free attorney consultation at one of our law office locations.

Consequences of Accumulating Too Many Points in Georgia in 2026

The consequences of accumulating too many points on your Georgia driver’s license are significant and include:

License Suspension: If you accumulate 15 or more points within any 24-month period (for drivers age 21 and over), your license will be suspended. For drivers under 21, accumulating just 4 points from a single offense can trigger an automatic suspension.

Restricted Driving Privileges: Upon license suspension, you lose your driving privileges until the suspension period ends. For first and second suspensions, Georgia allows a limited driving permit for certain purposes like work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered courses. After a third suspension within five years, no permit is issued, and suspension periods can last up to two years.

Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies view drivers with many points as high-risk, resulting in higher premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage.

Financial and Legal Burdens: License reinstatement often requires paying fees, completing defensive driving courses, and meeting court requirements. Failure to comply can extend suspensions or lead to additional penalties.

Employment Impact: A suspended license can affect employment, especially if driving is part of your job responsibilities.

To mitigate these consequences, Georgia allows drivers to reduce their point total by up to 7 points once every five years by completing a state-approved defensive driving course. Also, points remain on your record for two years, so avoiding further violations lets older points fall off naturally.

If you face the risk of suspension, it’s advisable to consult a qualified traffic attorney to explore options such as contesting tickets or negotiating reduced charges to avoid excessive points.

How Does a Lawyer Help Reduce or Dismiss My Traffic Ticket?

A Kohn & Yager criminal defense lawyer can help reduce or dismiss your Georgia traffic ticket in several key ways:

• Review the citation thoroughly: They look for police errors, inconsistencies, or violations of your rights in the way the ticket was issued, which can be grounds to challenge or dismiss the ticket. For example, mistakes in the ticket details or improper procedure during the traffic stop can weaken the prosecution’s case.
• Negotiate with prosecutors: Experienced attorneys often negotiate to reduce charges to lesser offenses or arrange for alternatives like defensive driving courses, which can lead to fewer or no points on your license and lower fines. They act as your advocate to find the best outcome, including possible dismissal or reduced penalties.
• Court representation: If your case goes to court, a lawyer can represent you, present defenses clearly, question the evidence, and protect your rights. Having professional representation often results in more favorable outcomes compared to self-representation.
• Identify procedural defects and challenge evidence: Lawyers scrutinize the evidence supporting the ticket—questioning measurement devices or officer observations—and raise issues such as improper calibration of speed radars or lack of clear signage, which can lead to dismissal.
• Help reduce insurance and license impact: By minimizing points on your driving record and contesting or reducing charges, lawyers help protect you from license suspension and increased insurance premiums.
• Provide timely legal advice and filing: They ensure all deadlines are met and appeals or challenges are properly filed, which is crucial to avoid losing your chance to fight the citation.

In summary, a traffic lawyer uses expertise to either get your ticket dismissed outright or substantially reduce the charges and penalties, helping you avoid points, fees, and longer-term consequences. Consulting qualified Georgia traffic attorneys Larry Kohn and Cory Yager early increases your chances for a positive resolution. Call (404) 567-5515 to speak with Larry or Cory about your pending traffic violation case. They offer free legal advice Atlanta GA.

Overall, accumulating too many points can disrupt your mobility, increase costs, and complicate your legal and financial situation in Georgia. Being proactive about managing points and seeking legal help can protect your driving privileges.

Stay proactive and monitor your driving record online, resolve tickets quickly, and consult legal professionals to minimize penalties.

Protect your driving record and insurance costs by staying informed, acting proactively, and seeking expert advice when you receive a citation. For further support in fighting tickets or reducing your points, reach out to the best Atlanta traffic ticket lawyers, Larry Kohn and Cory Yager. We offer a free consultation. Call (404) 567-5515 anytime day or night and we will answer.

This law, also known as the “Slow Poke” law, was introduced in 2014 to improve traffic congestion and reduce accidents. Minimum speed limits are enforced especially on I-285, I-85, I-75, and Georgia 400.

Impeding traffic can be demonstrated by actions such as driving slowly and forcing other traffic to maneuver around, even if traffic is not completely stopped. For instance, slowing down and stopping at a green light on a busy highway can be considered impeding traffic if it interferes with the normal flow of traffic.

The law applies to the left lane on highways, except for high occupancy vehicle lanes. Drivers are required to move out of the left lane if a faster vehicle approaches from behind, unless one of the specified exceptions below applies.

In summary, the law prohibits driving at a slow speed that impedes the normal flow of traffic, except when such a speed is necessary for safe operation or falls under one of the specified exceptions.

Impeding the flow of traffic in Georgia is a serious offense that can result in fines and points on your license. If you’ve been charged with this violation, it’s crucial to understand the law and your rights. Larry Kohn, a well-known criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta with over 500 AVVO 5-star reviews, specializes in traffic violations and can provide expert legal representation.

Exceptions to the Georgia Slow Poke Law

There are several situations where drivers are allowed to remain in the left lane without being charged with impeding traffic:

• When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to drive while slowing down
• During inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards
• When complying with an official traffic control device
• To continue to exit or turn left in left hand lanes
• On toll highways, when necessary to pay a toll or use a pass
• For authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties
• For vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations
• When traffic congestion make it necessary to drive in the passing lane

Penalties and Consequences

A conviction for impeding the flow of traffic in Georgia can lead to:

• A fine of up to $1,000
• 3 points added to your license
• Potential license suspension (4 points for drivers under 21, 15 points for drivers over 21)
• Increased car insurance premiums

Larry Kohn’s Approach to Impeding the Flow of Traffic GA Cases

Larry Kohn is an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta who has represented thousands of clients for over 25 years. He knows the details of Georgia traffic laws which change regularly, and how to build a strong defense for his clients. He employs various strategies to challenge impeding traffic charges, including:

• Arguing that the slow speed was necessary for safe operation
• Demonstrating that the driver needed to turn left soon
• Proving that the driver was passing slower traffic in the right lane
• Showing that the driver was stuck behind another slow-moving vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions About This Traffic Violation

Q: Can I be charged with impeding traffic if I was driving at the speed limit?

A: Yes, if you were in the left lane and not actively passing other vehicles or preparing to turn left.

Q: What should I do if I’m pulled over for impeding traffic?

A: Remain calm, be polite, and avoid admitting guilt. Contact an experienced attorney like Larry Kohn as soon as possible.

Q: How can a criminal defense attorney help with my impeding traffic charge?

A: An attorney can review the evidence, challenge the officer’s observations, and potentially negotiate for reduced charges or penalties.

Larry Kohn’s extensive experience in criminal defense and traffic violations makes him an ideal choice for representing people charged with impeding the flow of traffic in Georgia. His proven track record and deep understanding of Georgia traffic laws can help you navigate this complex legal situation and work towards the best possible outcome.

Don’t let an impeding traffic charge impact your driving record and insurance rates. Contact Larry Kohn today for a free consultation and expert legal representation. With his help, you can fight your charge and protect your rights on Georgia’s roads.

Does a Conviction Add Points to My Driver’s License?

Yes, an impeding the flow of traffic charge carries 3 points. For drivers under 21 years of age, accumulating 4 or more points within a 24-month period can lead to an automatic license suspension. So, you would be just one point away from suspension if you already have one other violation.

For drivers over 21, accumulating 15 points within a 24-month period will result in a license suspension. Therefore, a conviction for impeding the flow of traffic contributes to this total and brings you closer to the 15-point threshold.

Accumulating points on your license, including those from an impeding traffic charge, can lead to higher car insurance premiums. Insurance companies often view drivers with points on their record as higher risks, resulting in increased rates.

In addition to the potential for license suspension and higher insurance rates, accumulating points can also lead to other indirect consequences. These may include difficulty obtaining insurance coverage and the requirement to take driver education courses.

If your license is suspended due to accumulating points, you will need to go through the process of reinstatement, which can be time-consuming and costly. Repeat offenses or additional points can lead to longer suspension periods or even revocation of your license.

In summary, a charge for impeding the flow of traffic adds 3 points to your license, which can contribute to license suspension, higher insurance rates, and other negative consequences on your driving record.

What Are Some Proven Defenses Against These Charges?

When arguing that your speed was necessary for safety in the context of an impeding traffic charge, here are some defense strategies you and your lawyer can discuss:

Adhering to Road and Weather Conditions

Emphasize that you adjusted your speed to match the current road, weather, and traffic conditions. For example, if you were driving on wet pavement, in heavy traffic, or during inclement weather, it may have been necessary to reduce your speed to ensure safe operation.

Compliance with Official Traffic Control Devices

If you were driving at a slower speed due to compliance with official traffic control devices such as speed limit signs, traffic signals, or road markings, highlight this as a necessary safety measure. This demonstrates that your actions were in line with legal and safety guidelines.

Avoiding Hazards and Obstructions

Explain that you were driving slowly to avoid hazards or obstructions on the road. This could include construction zones, accidents, or other safety concerns that required a reduced speed to navigate safely5.

Maintaining Safe Following Distance

Argue that your speed was necessary to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. This is particularly relevant if the traffic was heavy or if there were conditions that required extra caution, such as reduced visibility or slippery roads4.

Reacting to Emergency Situations

If you slowed down in response to an emergency vehicle or another safety concern, such as a pedestrian or an animal on the road, this can be a valid reason for reducing your speed. Emphasize that your actions were taken to prevent a potential accident or hazard5.

Staying Right Except to Pass

While it’s important to stay in the right lane except to pass, if you were in the left lane due to a legitimate reason such as preparing to turn or exiting, and you were driving at a safe speed relative to the conditions, this can be a defense. However, it’s crucial to move back to the right lane as soon as it is safe to do so.

Your Attorney Can Introduce Expert Testimony or Other Evidence

Consider presenting evidence or expert testimony that supports your claim. For example, if a traffic engineer or safety expert can testify that your speed was reasonable given the conditions, this can strengthen your case.

By focusing on these points, you can build a strong argument that your speed was necessary for safety and that you were not impeding the flow of traffic unnecessarily.

Exceptions When You Are Not Impeding the Flow of Traffic Intentionally

The law allows for reduced speed when it is necessary for safe operation. This means that if driving slowly is required due to road conditions, weather, or other adverse circumstances, it is not considered impeding the flow of traffic.

There are several exceptions where driving slowly in the left lane is permissible, including:

• When traffic conditions or congestion make it necessary to drive in the passing lane.
• During inclement weather, obstructions, or hazards.
• When compliance with a law of this state or with an official traffic control device makes it necessary.
• When a vehicle must be driven in the passing lane to exit or turn left.
• On toll highways, when necessary to pay a toll or use a pass.
• For authorized emergency vehicles engaged in official duties.
• For vehicles engaged in highway maintenance and construction operations.

Call Larry Kohn or Cory Yager at their Sandy Springs GA criminal defense law firm. Someone from our legal team will help you set up a free lawyer case review where you can ask us about payment plans. (404) 567-5515.

The City of Smyrna Municipal Court House is located in Smyrna, Georgia 30080, at 2800 King Street. This is the same building that houses City Hall, so don’t think that you are in the wrong place.

(Photo of the Smyrna Court House shown below)

5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Municipal Court for the City of Smyrna GA

1. If my case was a car accident case with property damage but no injuries, should I call my insurance company first, or talk to a lawyer? Also, don’t just pay any ticket involving the accident, because this can act as an admission of guilt.

Since you can get an initial, free consultation with a skilled lawyer, it may be best to speak to private legal counsel first for both the auto accident and for any injury cases, where civil liability (i.e., for medical bills, pain, and suffering) may exist. Call today, 24 hours a day, to 404-567-5515, for the free, initial consultation.

1. If I want to obtain a jury trial, to which the City of Smyrna GA County would that case transfer be made to? That would be the Cobb County State Court, in downtown Marietta, GA.

Caution: Do not TRANSFER your case out of the Smyrna Court, thinking that you want a jury trial, or for delay purposes. That uninformed action, on your part, could be the WRONG move, in many cases.

People issued non-serious traffic citations by the Smyrna Police Department may pay them via the Internet. Those who face more serious charges (such as reckless driving, hit & run, aggressive driving, or driving under the influence (DUI) must appear in the Traffic Court for the City of Smyrna Georgia.

1. What hours is the Smyrna Traffic Court open? From 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. This number can be called for court date information, or if you lost your ticket, or to pay minor traffic tickets online: 770-431-2804

1. If I cannot afford a criminal lawyer, will one be appointed for me? Yes, that will happen. However, since your arraignment date, and be added to an upcoming Smyrna court docket usually will be beyond 30 days after arrest. Thus, you need to get some free legal advice on how to protect your driver’s license from an administrative license suspension. Feel free to call our criminal law firm ASAP, to learn how to avoid an implied consent suspension for up to 12 months!
2. What is the phone number of the Smyrna GA Police Department? For non-emergency calls and asking about police reports from officers with the Smyrna Police Department GA: 770-434-9481

Those who are taken into custody for a DUI in Smyrna after attending a Braves game or a restaurant at The Battery initially will be taken to the very small Smyrna GA jail. If not released or bonded out immediately from the Smyrna jail, your transfer to the Cobb County Detention Center may occur. If your family member is housed here, the inmate search tool may help you obtain more online information.

Those accused of a “mandatory appearance” crime in Smyrna Municipal Court are subject to possible harsh punishments. This can be lengthy probation, after some spending some jail time, and much more punishment.

In addition, it is common to have to perform community service hours, pay fines and court surcharges, plus possibly being subjected to random drug and alcohol testing are possible, while on probation. To guard your legal rights and best interests, it is wise to take advantage of our no-cost, initial consultation with an award-winning, highly trained criminal lawyer near me before appearing in court. Read more below.

More Basic Information About the Smyrna Municipal Court

The Clerk of Court can be contacted at 770-434-6600, while Judge Phyllis Gingrey Collins is in charge of the Traffic Court Division and Judge Joel Pugh presides over the Environmental Court Division. For traffic ticket charges, and other misdemeanor criminal violations and environmental code violations, local Cobb County attorney Tim Williams is the assigned Prosecutor.

Ms. Cardi McManus is the Smyrna Clerk of Court Administrator, but numerous other court clerks can assist you in that office. If your citation paperwork shows an “environmental” violation, these cases are set on a different date that traffic court cases.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation With a Georgia Criminal Lawyer

Cory Yager, a Cobb County DUI lawyer, began his work career by becoming a Cobb County police officer more than 25 years ago. During that time, he met many members of the Smyrna Georgia police Department as law enforcement officers handling cases in Cobb County Courts.

While with Cobb County PD, he investigated many Cobb County cases that began as a truck or car accident in Smyrna. Later, he transferred to Roswell Police Department, so that he could obtain a fixed police work schedule, which allowed him to attend law school.

Larry Kohn, a veteran criminal defense attorney in Smyrna, specializes in defending DUI, hit-and-run, and other misdemeanor traffic tickets in the Smyrna court. Mr. Kohn is co-author of The Georgia DUI Trial Practice Manual, the leading treatise for DUI attorneys in the Peach State. His two co-authors are his law partners, DUI book author William C. Head and Cory Yager.

All of our legal team members have received recognitions from lawyer ratings services like Super Lawyers, Martindale, Best Law Firms in America, and Best Lawyers in America. In addition, our car accident lawyers have collectively received over 700 AVVO 5-star client ratings. Dial our 24/365 phone number and shift this burden off your shoulders and onto ours. 404-567-5515!

#2. You can now elect to have an ignition interlock (IID) installed on your vehicle instead of filing for an appeal of your Georgia driver’s license suspension.

You only have 30 days after your first offence DUI arrest date to apply for an ignition interlock at your local Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) office but talk to an experienced DUI lawyer before taking this option.

Once your permit request is approved, you only have 10 days to then have the device installed at an authorized interlock device installation and monitoring company. If you choose the IID option, you waive your right to pursuing the suspension appeal.

#3. The day that you were arrested does not count towards the 30 days. For example, if you were arrested on a Wednesday, the first day that counts is Thursday. Again, you need to jump on this immediately. Not having a valid driver’s license while you fight your drunk driving charges is an added burden you do not need. You also have the option of installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. Ask us to help you decide which route to

#4. The appeal filing fee is $150 and is non-negotiable. This amount is set by the State. All Georgia DUI lawyers charge the same fee.  The payment is not made out to your attorney. It is paid directly to Georgia DDS and can be a personal check, money order or cashier’s check. No credit card payments are accepted, nor any online payment vendors like PayPal or BitCoin. are currently accepted by DDS. The filing paperwork and payment must be hand delivered to the Conyers, GA DDS headquarters, or mailed by the U.S. Postal Service with a return receipt requested and a date-stamped receipt for when the letter was sent out. You can use UPS or FedEX to deliver, but there must be detailed tracking and signature receipt.

#5. The Georgia DUI ALS appeal can arrive at the Conyers, GA DDS after the 10th day, as long as it was sent within the first 30 business days.

#6. Keep a copy of the appeal paperwork and proof of payment in your car at all times, along with your Form 1205 temporary permit in case you get pulled over by the police. Use these documents as your driver’s license.

#7. Most GA ALS hearings take place within 60 days of receipt of your paperwork, and they are held in a civil court that is not the same as your assigned criminal court. Your Georgia DUI attorney’s office will send you an email with the name and location of this court, and the date and time. Our attorney will be there with you.

#8. An ALS hearing is not as involved as your criminal case hearings. They are over much more quickly and legal arguments are kept to a minimum. But don’t take this hearing lightly. Your ability to drive for up to a year is at stake.

#9. The DDS may offer hearing notices and their final decision online instead of through the mail.

#10. Your attorney likely will obtain a transcript of the hearing to use later in your criminal case. ALS hearings are tape recorded, but these recordings are often not easy to hear. Our veteran DUI attorneys prefer to bring in their own court reporter (whose services you retain) to create a full and accurate record. This transcript can be used for possible impeachment purposes during your criminal case.