Traffic Defense

Traffic Ticket & Moving Violation Defense in Pennsylvania

Don't just pay that ticket. Protect your license, your insurance rates, and your driving record. We fight speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and all traffic violations across 6 PA counties.

Call (610) 908-9562

Calls answered Mon–Fri, 9am–6:30pm; after-hours by appointment

Why Fight Your Traffic Ticket?

That "minor" ticket can have major consequences. Paying without fighting is an admission of guilt with long-lasting effects.

1

Avoid Points

Points lead to license suspension, mandatory exams, and higher insurance

2

Save Money

Insurance increases often cost more than attorney fees over time

3

Protect Your Record

A clean driving record helps with employment and professional licenses

4

Skip Court

In many cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf

Important

Understanding PA's Point System

6

Points = Special Exam

At 6 points, PennDOT requires you to take a special examination.

11

Points = License Suspension

At 11 points, your license is suspended. First time: 5 days for every point.

-3

Points Removed Annually

3 points removed for every 12 months of violation-free driving.

Common Point Values

Speeding 6-10 MPH over2 points
Speeding 11-15 MPH over3 points
Speeding 16-25 MPH over4 points
Speeding 26+ MPH over5 points
Reckless Driving3 points
Running Red Light3 points

What happens after you get a ticket in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania traffic citation gives you 10 days to plead guilty or not guilty. Paying the fine is a guilty plea, and the conviction goes to PennDOT, along with any points. If you do nothing, the court can issue a warrant, and PennDOT can suspend your license until you respond.

If you plead not guilty, the case is scheduled for a summary trial at the local magisterial district court. The officer must appear and prove the violation. If you lose there, you have 30 days to appeal to the county Court of Common Pleas for a new hearing.

Call (610) 908-9562

Calls answered Mon–Fri, 9am–6:30pm; after-hours by appointment

John Gentry, Esq.John Gentry, Esq.

500+ criminal and DUI cases · Licensed since 2007

How speed is measured, and why it matters

Pennsylvania is the only state that does not allow municipal police to use radar. Only the Pennsylvania State Police can. Local officers rely on devices like VASCAR, ENRADD, or a calibrated speedometer while following a car. Each method has its own legal requirements, and those requirements are where many speeding cases are won or reduced.

  • Certification. Timing devices like VASCAR must be tested for accuracy within 60 days before the stop, and patrol car speedometers within one year, by an approved station.
  • Distance. When an officer times you by following with a speedometer, the law requires at least three-tenths of a mile. A short pace may not support the charge.
  • Small margins. Electronic devices cannot support a conviction for very small amounts over the limit in most zones.
  • Officer training. The officer must be trained and qualified on the specific device used.

Points, PennDOT and your license

PennDOT adds points to your record when you are convicted, not when you are cited. At 6 points, you are sent a notice to take a written special point exam, and passing it the first time removes 2 points. If you reach 6 points again, you face a departmental hearing. At 11 points, your license is suspended for 5 days per point on a first suspension, and longer for later ones.

Separate from points, a conviction for driving 26 mph or more over the limit triggers a departmental hearing and a possible 15-day suspension. Points come off at a rate of 3 for every 12 months without a new violation or suspension.

ViolationPA points
Speeding 6-10 mph over2
Speeding 11-15 mph over3
Speeding 16-25 mph over4
Speeding 26+ mph over5 + hearing
Reckless or careless driving3
Red light or stop sign3
Following too closely3
Passing a stopped school bus5 + 60-day suspension

Based on PennDOT's point schedule under 75 Pa.C.S. 1535.

CDL holders, young drivers and out-of-state licenses

Commercial drivers have the most to lose. Speeding 15 mph or more over the limit is a "serious traffic violation" for CDL purposes, even in a personal car, and two in three years leads to a disqualification. Courts are not allowed to mask or defer a CDL holder's conviction, which makes the original charge especially important.

Drivers under 18 can lose their license after accumulating 6 points or for a single speeding conviction 26 mph or more over. Drivers from other states are reported to their home state, which can add its own points or penalties.

Call (610) 908-9562

Calls answered Mon–Fri, 9am–6:30pm; after-hours by appointment

John Gentry, Esq.John Gentry, Esq.

500+ criminal and DUI cases · Licensed since 2007

Traffic Violations We Defend

Speeding Violations

Exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions

Points: 2-5 points depending on speed over limit
Consequences: Fines $35-$500+, insurance increases, license suspension if points accumulate

Reckless Driving

Driving with willful disregard for safety of persons or property

Points: 3 points
Consequences: $200 fine, possible suspension for repeat or serious cases, major insurance impact

Careless Driving

Driving without due caution, endangering persons or property

Points: 3 points
Consequences: Fine up to $25 plus costs, insurance increases

Running Red Light / Stop Sign

Failing to stop at traffic control devices

Points: 3 points
Consequences: Fines vary by municipality, insurance increases

Driving on Suspended License

Operating a vehicle while license is suspended or revoked

Points: No points, but an added suspension
Consequences: $200 fine and extra suspension time; if the suspension is DUI-related, a first conviction carries a $500 fine and 60 days in jail, or a $1,000 fine and 90 days with a BAC of .02% or more, drugs or a refusal

Failure to Yield / Following Too Closely

Not giving right of way or tailgating

Points: 3 points each
Consequences: Fines plus costs, insurance increases

How We Fight Your Traffic Ticket

  • Review All Evidence

    We examine the citation, officer's notes, speed-timing records, and calibration certificates.

  • Negotiate with Prosecutors

    We often negotiate reduced charges, fewer points, or non-moving violations.

  • Appear on Your Behalf

    In most cases, we can handle court appearances so you don't miss work.

  • Trial if Necessary

    If negotiation fails, we're prepared to take your case to trial and challenge the evidence.

Courts We Appear In

We handle traffic cases throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania:

  • Delaware County
  • Montgomery County
  • Chester County
  • Lancaster County
  • Berks County
  • Bucks County

Got a ticket? Call for a free case review:

Call (610) 908-9562

Calls answered Mon–Fri, 9am–6:30pm; after-hours by appointment

Traffic Ticket Defense FAQs

At 6 points, PennDOT requires a written special point exam, and passing it the first time removes 2 points. Reaching 6 points again leads to a departmental hearing. At 11 points, your license is suspended for 5 days per point on a first suspension. Points come off at 3 for every 12 months without a new violation or suspension.

Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt that results in points on your license, higher insurance rates, and a permanent record. Many tickets can be reduced or dismissed with proper representation. Even if you can't get a dismissal, negotiating for fewer points or a non-moving violation can save you money long-term.

Yes. An experienced traffic attorney knows the local courts, prosecutors, and officers. We can often negotiate reduced charges, attend hearings on your behalf, challenge device calibration and officer training, and find procedural errors.

Missing your court date can result in a default judgment against you, additional fines, license suspension, and potentially a bench warrant. If you've missed a date, contact an attorney immediately. We may be able to file a motion to reopen your case and address the charges properly.

Points remain on your record until removed through safe driving. You get 3 points removed for every 12 consecutive months without a violation or suspension, and passing your first special point exam removes 2. Pennsylvania does not offer a voluntary course to remove points. The violation itself stays on your driving history longer than the points.

No. Pennsylvania only allows the State Police to use radar. Municipal police use devices like VASCAR and ENRADD, or pace you with a calibrated speedometer. Each method has certification and distance requirements, and a failure to meet them can defeat the ticket.

Ten days from the date of the citation to plead guilty or not guilty. If you do not respond, the court can issue a warrant and PennDOT can suspend your license until you do.

Yes, most traffic violations will increase your insurance rates, sometimes by 20-40% or more depending on the violation. Reckless driving, speeding, and at-fault accidents have the biggest impact. This is why fighting tickets to avoid points or get charges reduced is often worth the attorney's fee - you'll save money on insurance over time.

Don't Let a Traffic Ticket Cost You More Than the Fine

Insurance increases, points on your license, and a permanent record can cost thousands over time. Contact The Gentry Firm for a free consultation.

Call (610) 908-9562

Calls answered Mon–Fri, 9am–6:30pm; after-hours by appointment

You'll talk to John Gentry, not a call center

Last Updated: June 2026