California Traffic Violation Point System Break Down

Los Angeles lawyer Gabriel H. Avina has been fighting traffic tickets for over 10 years and always tells his clients that dealing with most traffic violations is something most people can do without an attorney's help. However, in some circumstances it may be important for you to seek the representation of an attorney, such as in a situation where you will be out of town and cannot be present in court yourself, or in a case where there may be serious criminal charges, such as with a DUI.


Perhaps the most common reason to hire a lawyer to deal with a traffic violation is where you may face having multiple points on you record. Multiple points on your driving record may designate you as a negligent operator of a vehicle and could result in the DMV revoking or suspending your driver's license, if you amass a certain number of points over a period of time. Under California Vehicle Code Section 12810.5(a), the DMV will presume a driver is negligent if he or she adds to his or her record:

• 4 or more points in 12 months
• 6 or more points in 24 months
• 8 or more points in 36 months

Some common traffic violations do NOT result in any additional points on your driving record.

• under Cal. Veh. Code Section 12810.3 cell phone violations of Cal. Veh. Code Section 23123, Section 23123.5, Section 23124.
• under Cal. Veh. Code Section 12810.4 blocking a crosswalk or intersection violation of Cal. Veh. Code Section 22526
• under Cal. Veh. Code Section 12810.2 seat belt violations of Cal. Veh. Section 27315

However, other common traffic violations do result in points on your driving record, so be aware and keep track of these. Check the DMV website break down of the California point system for negligent operator counts.


Call (323)299-1664 or email gabriel@avinalaw.com to set up a free consultation with Los Angeles personal injury and criminal defense attorney Gabriel H. Avina.


*For more information see our Criminal Defense page.