In Pennsylvania, traffic violations range from failing to stop for a red light to making an illegal U-turn. The police can write you a traffic ticket for a wide range of driving behaviors, but no matter what led to your citation you risk significant fines, license suspension, and points on your driving record. As of 2026, Pennsylvania has expanded automated speed enforcement in active work zones and increased penalties for high-speed violations in construction areas, and a single citation can follow you for years through higher insurance premiums and license consequences.
Common traffic citations we defend include speeding tickets, commercial driver license violations, and violations of Pennsylvania’s points system. We also help out-of-state drivers facing citations in Pennsylvania.
The penalties for traffic violations can multiply rapidly. If you accumulate too many points, your insurance premiums will go up and you can even lose your license. A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you protect your driving privileges. A traffic defense attorney who is experienced in handling traffic cases can help you avoid the points that can cost you thousands of dollars for years to come.
Traffic Violations And Points
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) uses a point system to track your behavior on the road. All penalties and point values cited on this page reflect the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code (75 Pa.C.S. § 1535) and current PennDOT regulations.
Most moving violations will put points on your driving record. Some typical violations and the points they carry, include:
- Failure to obey authorized person directing traffic: 2 points
- Violation of restriction on driver’s license (wearing glasses, etc.): 2 points
- Failure to stop for a red light: 3 points
- Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel: 3 points
- Following too closely (tailgating): 3 points
- Failure to stop for stop sign: 3 points
- Illegal U-turns: 3 points
- Failure to stop at railroad crossings: 4 points
- Careless driving: 3 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage: 4 points
- Exceeding the speed limit by six to 10 MPH: 2 points
- Exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 MPH: 3 points and a 15-day suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 25 MPH: 4 points and a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 26 to 30 MPH: 5 points and a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone
- Exceeding the speed limit by 31 MPH or more: 5 points, a 15-day license suspension if it occurs in a work zone. The hearing officer may also give you additional penalties.
The Real Cost Of Pennsylvania Traffic Tickets
Your ticket will include a cost you see written in black and white: your fine. But the real cost of a ticket includes much more.
If you are found guilty of a traffic violation, one of the biggest financial impacts will be the steep rise in your insurance rates. For example, according to insurance.com, failure to stop and speeding 30 miles over the limit will cause your insurance to increase 15 percent on average.
Add to the monetary costs the stress you will feel if your license is suspended because you have too many points on your driving record.
How Traffic Court Works in Allegheny County
In Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, traffic citations are handled through the magisterial district courts (often called magistrate courts or district justice courts). When you receive a citation, you have the right to request a hearing before a magistrate or district judge. At this hearing, the officer who issued the citation must appear to testify about the violation. If the officer fails to appear, the citation may be dismissed.
The magistrate will consider the evidence and testimony from both sides. Many drivers choose to have a traffic defense attorney represent them at this hearing because an experienced attorney understands the local procedures, knows how judges in different magisterial districts typically handle cases, and can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or eliminate points from your record. In some cases, an attorney can get charges reduced or dismissed before the hearing even takes place.
After a magistrate’s ruling, you have the right to appeal to the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas if you believe the decision was unjust. Our firm has extensive experience with both magistrate courts and appellate proceedings, helping drivers protect their licenses and avoid the long-term financial consequences of traffic violations.
Steps To Take If You Are Charged
First, look over your citation. Check the violation and fines, and make certain that your name, address, vehicle information and license number are all correct.
You have 10 days to respond to the citation. If you ignore it, you may have to pay additional fines and your driver’s license can be suspended.
If you have been charged with a traffic offense, it is a sound decision to hire an attorney who can help you fight your ticket and help you avoid having to pay thousands of extra dollars in insurance costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets in Pittsburgh
How much does a traffic ticket attorney cost in Pittsburgh?
Traffic ticket attorney fees in Pittsburgh vary depending on the complexity of your case and the specific violation. Most traffic defense attorneys charge either a flat fee for straightforward violations (typically $300 to $800) or hourly rates ($200 to $350 per hour) for cases requiring negotiation or hearings. Many firms, including ours, offer free consultations so you can discuss your case and understand your options before committing to representation.
Can you fight a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you absolutely have the right to fight a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania. You can request a hearing before a magistrate or district judge, where the officer must appear to testify. Many citations are dismissed because the officer fails to show up. Even when the officer appears, an experienced defense attorney can challenge the accuracy of radar or laser readings, the officer’s observations, or the citation’s validity. Negotiation with prosecutors can also result in reduced charges that minimize points on your record.
How long do traffic violation points stay on your Pennsylvania driving record?
In Pennsylvania, points from traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years from the date of conviction. Once the three-year period ends, the points are removed and no longer affect your license status. However, the conviction itself remains part of your driving history. If you accumulate 6 points in 12 months, your license may be suspended, making it essential to address violations before they accumulate.
What happens if you don’t pay a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania?
Ignoring a traffic ticket can result in serious consequences: additional fines and penalties, suspension of your driver’s license, a warrant for your arrest, and even jail time in some cases. Your insurance rates may also increase, and you could face additional charges for failure to comply with a court order. It is always better to address a citation promptly, whether by paying it, requesting a hearing, or hiring an attorney to negotiate a resolution.
Can a lawyer get a traffic ticket dismissed in Pennsylvania?
Yes, an experienced traffic defense attorney can help get a ticket dismissed through several methods: challenging the officer’s evidence or observations, negotiating a reduction to a lesser charge that carries fewer or no points, or securing dismissal if the officer fails to appear at the hearing. The success of dismissal depends on the specific facts of your case, the violation, and the prosecutor’s office handling your case.
Talk With a Pittsburgh Traffic Defense Attorney
The fine printed on your citation is the smallest part of what a traffic ticket can cost you. Points push up your insurance premiums for years, and enough of them can suspend your license. Our attorneys regularly defend drivers in magistrate courts across Allegheny County, and we work to get citations reduced or dismissed before they ever touch your record.
Call (412) 281-2146, email advice@pittsburghcriminalattorney.com, or submit an online request for a free consultation. We will review your citation, explain what you are facing, and lay out your options. There is no cost to find out where you stand.
