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Pennsylvania Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Why didn’t the officer charge this person with a DUI?

I witnessed an intoxicated person driving last night who ended up causing property damage. Officer found this person at their residence and only issued a citation. Why didn’t the officer arrest this person? I was an eye witness to the whole incident and there was property damage. Those two things... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 10, 2023

It's possible that the officer did not have sufficient evidence to establish intoxication at the time of the encounter, or they may have chosen to issue a citation instead of making an arrest based on their discretion and department policies. Keep in mind that law enforcement decisions can... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a cop issue me a speeding citation without pulling me over, and without a positive ID of me?

I am a volunteer firefighter and I was responding to a call with a blue light on my car, I ended up passing a PSP trooper running radar who claims he caught me doing 90 in a 55. The trooper did not attempt to follow me or use his lights to stop me stating he "didn't want me thinking he... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 9, 2023

In most jurisdictions, the PO has to make a positive identification of the driver and their identity. This case arises under traffic ticket law. You need to discuss with an attorney in your jurisdiction that specializes in this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia, Ask a Lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Should I just plead guilty and pay the fines?? If I plead guilty, will the record remain on my license?? If so how long

I received 2 traffic citation points, today. The charges are Restraint System (I had my cousin in my car without a booster seat just for a quick ride) and Driving on Roadways lanes for traffic. I understand that both charges are 100% my fault. But I’d like to know if there’s any better way to... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 9, 2023

Some states have a diversion system for the restraint violation. You take a class and it is dismissed. It doesn't matter how short the trip is, if you are on the road you have to follow all the restraint and booster seat laws. On the second one, I have no comment. This case arises under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Contesting when your vehicle license is reported by a school bus driver.

My friend received a citation in the mail saying her vehicle failed to stop for a school bus stop sign. There were no pictures or video links included. In the only recent encounter she had with a school bus she was stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left. The school bus was stopped in the... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 9, 2023

Yes, she can contest this. This case arises in the area of traffic ticket laws. Your friend needs to discuss with an attorney in your jurisdiction that specializes in this kind of law. Thank you for using Justia, Ask a Lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: What do I do if my traffic ticket doesn’t have a total?

I got a ticket and the fine amounts are listed, but there’s no total amount

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 2, 2023

Either buy a calculator or find a fifth grader.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Legal Malpractice for Pennsylvania on
Q: The officer never tell me to sign nothing i got my driver suspended for a long time

The court suspend my driving privilege because i do not pay the fine i go explain the situation because of the suspention i can not drive to work so i can not pay the fines and keep like this for 7 years so i finaly do not own nothing more becuase i ask them whiy i have more fines if i do not get... View More

Joel Gary Selik
Joel Gary Selik
answered on Feb 13, 2023

Consult with experienced traffic ticket attorneys. They (or you) may be able to appear before the judge for a reduction and payment plan.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: I got pulled over for an expired registration ,on 1/31/23 ,it has been 60+ days late I guess ,again wasn't keeping track

Should I just pleas guilty and pay the 210.50 ?what's my best option for this situation

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Feb 5, 2023

Since you don’t mention anything that is likely to be a defense and the fine is so minimal, I recommend paying the fine and renewing the registration.

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: I ran a red light, accident happened, i got a ticket for running the red light. can this used against me in trial?

this happened in PA. what can i do for this not to be used against me in case it goes to trial?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jan 16, 2023

A Pennsylvania attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. You could reach out to traffic ticket attorneys to discuss if you have not already done so. This is posted under the Car Accident category, which deals more with monetary damages in the ensuing civil... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: In Pennsylvania, I was issued citation for failure to come to complete stop at stop sign. Can I plead not guilty…

I was issued citation for not coming to a complete stop at stop sign. At the time, my vehicle was not inspected. I am making inspection appointment on Monday

Police officer never looked at my inspection. I feel as if I came to a complete stop but was guilty of an expired vehicle... View More

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 25, 2022

You should plead not guilty. Bring proof that you had the vehicle inspected to the hearing, and the officer may withdraw that citation. The officer may also be willing to change the stop sign citation to a section that does not add points to your license. Consider reaching out to a traffic attorney... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can an officer mail me a citation for following too closely without ever positively identifying me?

He pulled up to my driveway as i was closing the garage door and I opened the door after he honked. This is a psp trooper in pa.

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 21, 2022

No. An officer can mail a citation without ever making contact with a driver if the driver can be ID'd by the trooper, such as if the officer can see the driver and has had prior run ins with him/her. The question in your case is what the trooper is relying on for his identification of you as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: I have received a citation stating that I fail to stop at a stop sign. Has me as a defendant and a vehicle that I own.

I was in bed asleep at that time of the violation and the vehicle I don’t drive. It’s a spare for the family. No one in my family was ever pulled over on this date and time or any other time. Is this legal?

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 21, 2022

Certainly sounds like a mistake was made, which happens from time to time. You should plead not guilty, which means a hearing will be scheduled that you will have to appear for. It should be as simple as the officer realizing he/she made a mistake when you see him/her at the hearing. You can also... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can an officer in pa give you a ticket without pulling you over after they follow you? I’m
Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 20, 2022

Yes. I'm not sure what citation you received, but this happens often with suspended license citations. If the officer can ID the driver and knows from past dealings that the driver's license is suspended, a citation can be issued/mailed without being pulled over. If you have received a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: I received a speeding ticket for going 75mph in a 70mph zone. Is this a misdemeanor? Also, should I plead guilty?

The officer told me no points would be added to my license and because it was only 5mph over the limit, my insurance should not be affected. Is that accurate?

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 18, 2022

It is not a misdemeanor, and not something that would appear on a criminal background check. It's true that no points will be added to your license if you have a Pennsylvania license. If your license is from another state, that may change. The insurance issue is a little more complicated. Your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Can a not guilty plea be entered without me submitting my citation or not guilty plea, before the 10 day period?

I was pulled over on the 10th for an expired tag, I also don't have a license and was charged with driving on a DUI suspension and recieved the citation in the mail with instructions on how to plea and my options. On the Friday the 15th I received the citation in the mail, I wasn't given... View More

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 17, 2022

If you received a citation for driving under suspension, DUI-related, the court will automatically schedule a hearing because there is mandatory prison time associated with that section. You really should consult with an attorney in your area prior to your hearing date.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Speeding Ticket

I was pulled over for speeding. Ticket was for 89 in a 65, then stated I tried running from him. He was driving on the opposite side of the highway (I was headed north he was headed south) and clocked me from across the median, windows up, while moving. Now, the device said it was handheld and last... View More

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jul 14, 2022

Yes you should plead not guilty and consult with an attorney to discuss your options. At the very least, it might be possible to have the speed lowered to limit or eliminate any points.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: Hi, I got a failed to obey traffic device ticket (section 3111) does that carry any points?
Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jun 26, 2022

If you have a Pennsylvania license, a conviction for 3111(a) will not give you any points. If you have a license from another state, including a CDL from another state, that answer may change and you should consult an attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: My girlfriend was pulled over by a state trooper and issued a citation for out of date registration and at the time she

She couldn't find her registration card but the sticker on the license plate said it was good until 11-22 and we have the registration card now and it says the same thing what should we do

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jun 21, 2022

She should plead not guilty. A hearing will be scheduled, and if she brings proof of current registration, the trooper may be willing to withdraw the citation. At worst, a violation for expired registration carries only a fine - there are no points or license suspension. That differs however from... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: A cop pulled me over and told me he would mail me a citation, but never asked me to sign anything.

I’m not sure if this is something I’ve experienced but I was always made to sign something when getting a ticket. (I got one 2 years ago in NJ) Not sure if I will actually be getting a citation or if it was a scare tactic?

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jun 16, 2022

An officer is permitted to mail you a citation in Pennsylvania. If you do receive one, feel free to reach out to a traffic or criminal defense attorney for a free consultation. There is some odd interactions between the PA and NJ vehicle code when it comes to points transferring from PA to NJ.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: In Pennsylvania, do drivers have to provide their license, registration, & insurance information to police when stopped?

I was just pulled over by the police. I asked the officer to tell me what was the reason for the stop, however, he insisted I give him my ID before he'd tell me what was the reason for the stop. Come to find out, my registration expired ten days ago. As I explained to the officer, it was... View More

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jun 11, 2022

Based on what you've written, I don't think you did anything wrong. Most officers, at least those I've interacted with, will run license plates randomly or really whenever they are driving behind someone. A lot of police cars are also now equipped with automatic license plate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Pennsylvania on
Q: How should I handle a expired registration traffic ticket in PA?

I live in PA (Chester county). I was pulled by a police and got a ticket for expired registration and inspection. (My registration was expired 4 months ago and I forgot to renew, my inspection is also expired for this year). I have a clean record. I will get them renewed asap. Shall I just plea... View More

Timothy Kraeer
Timothy Kraeer
answered on Jun 5, 2022

You can simply plead guilty and pay the fine - you won't be assessed any points or suspension. However, given you have a clean record, you should plead not guilty and bring proof of inspection and registration to the court. Most officers will withdraw the citations if you prove you've had... View More

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