How to Get Out of a Traffic Ticket in Atlanta (2025)

Receiving a traffic ticket in Atlanta can be a stressful experience, but understanding your options can help you navigate the situation effectively. One such option is the Pre-Trial Intervention Traffic (PTIT) program, which allows eligible individuals to resolve minor traffic offenses without accruing points on their driving record or facing increased insurance premiums.

Understanding the PTIT Program

The City of Atlanta offers the PTIT program for individuals with minor traffic violations. Successful completion of this program results in the dismissal of charges, avoiding points on your driving record and potential insurance rate hikes. Eligibility criteria include:

  • Possessing a valid driver’s license.
  • Having no more than two moving violations in the past three years.
  • The current violation did not result in an accident.
  • The violation is not a super speeder offense or a misdemeanor involving drugs or alcohol.

For detailed eligibility requirements, visit the City of Atlanta’s official PTIT page.

How to Enroll in the PTIT Program

Enrolling in the PTIT program can often be accomplished without appearing in court. Follow these steps:

  1. Complete the online application.
  2. Alternatively, email the court at PTIT@AtlantaGA.gov with the following information:
    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • Driver’s license number
    • Email address or fax number
    • Telephone number
    • Citation number or case number
    • Number of citations received
  3. Upon acceptance, you will receive instructions to pay the program fee, typically around $185, via money order or certified check.

Note: The PTIT program is available once every 12 months.

Alternative Options for Contesting a Traffic Ticket

If you are ineligible for the PTIT program or choose not to participate, you can contest your traffic ticket through the following process:

  1. Attend Your Scheduled Court Date: Appear at the date and time specified on your citation. Inform the judge of your intention to plead not guilty. You may have the option to request a bench trial (before a judge) or a jury trial. For more details, refer to the Fulton County Government’s guidelines on contesting citations.
  2. Consider Legal Representation: Hiring an experienced traffic attorney can provide valuable insights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. An attorney can help navigate the complexities of traffic law and court procedures.
  3. Prepare Your Defense: Gather evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, or any relevant documentation, to support your case. Understanding the specific traffic laws related to your violation is crucial.

Understanding Georgia’s Point System

Georgia operates on a point system to monitor and penalize repeat traffic offenders. Points are added to your driving record for each violation, varying based on the severity of the offense. Accumulating 15 points within a 24-month period can result in a license suspension. For a comprehensive breakdown of violations and their corresponding points, consult the Georgia Department of Driver Services.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Traffic violations can lead to increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies assess risk based on your driving record; accumulating points indicates higher risk, often resulting in higher rates. Participating in programs like PTIT or successfully contesting a ticket can prevent these rate hikes.

Conclusion

Addressing a traffic ticket in Atlanta requires understanding your options and the potential consequences. The PTIT program offers a pathway to resolve minor violations without impacting your driving record or insurance rates. However, if this option is not viable, contesting the ticket with proper preparation and legal guidance is advisable. Always consider the long-term effects on your driving privileges and insurance costs when deciding how to proceed.

For more information on traffic violations and court procedures, visit Georgia.gov’s traffic violations page.