How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in Georgia
Georgia courts process over 1.5 million traffic citations each year, making it one of the highest-volume states for traffic enforcement. Whether you were caught speeding on I-85, running a red light in Atlanta, or cited in a small-town speed trap, you have options beyond simply paying the fine.
The key difference in Georgia is the nolo contendere plea, a no-contest plea that lets you avoid points on your license while still paying the fine. Georgia also offers defensive driving courses for point reduction, and you always have the right to fight your ticket in court.
This guide covers every path to handling your Georgia traffic ticket, including the nolo plea, defensive driving, fighting in court, the Georgia point system, and the Super Speeder Law that catches many out-of-state drivers off guard.
Not sure which option is right for you? Take our 5-question Decision Quiz to get a personalized recommendation, or use the True Cost Calculator to see what your ticket will actually cost over time.
Option 1: Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Plea
The nolo contendere plea is Georgia’s most popular tool for handling traffic tickets. When you plead nolo, you do not admit guilt, but you accept the court’s fine. The critical benefit is that no points are added to your driving record.
How a Nolo Plea Works
Under Georgia Code Section 17-7-95, a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere with the permission of the court. For traffic offenses, the judge typically grants nolo pleas for standard violations like speeding, running a stop sign, or improper lane change.
When you plead nolo:
- You appear in court on your scheduled date (or request a nolo plea by mail or online in some jurisdictions)
- You tell the judge you wish to plead nolo contendere
- The judge has discretion to accept or reject the plea
- If accepted, you pay the fine, but no points go on your Georgia driving record
- The violation does not count as a conviction for points purposes
Eligibility Requirements
- You have not entered a nolo plea for a traffic offense in the past 5 years
- The offense is not a serious violation (see exclusions below)
- The judge agrees to accept the plea
Offenses Excluded from Nolo Plea
A nolo contendere plea is not available for these Georgia traffic offenses:
- DUI / DWI
- Hit and run
- Homicide by vehicle
- Serious injury by vehicle
- Fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer
- Racing on highways or streets
- Any offense requiring a mandatory license suspension
Advantages of a Nolo Plea
- No points added to your driving record
- No insurance rate increase in most cases (because there is no conviction for points)
- Quick resolution without a trial
- No need to take a course or complete additional requirements
- Available for most common traffic violations
Disadvantages of a Nolo Plea
- You still pay the full fine and court costs
- You can only use it once every 5 years
- The judge can reject your plea at their discretion
- The charge still appears on your record (though without points)
- Does not help with the Super Speeder surcharge if applicable
Nolo Plea vs. Guilty Plea
| Factor | Guilty Plea | Nolo Contendere Plea |
|---|---|---|
| Points on license | Yes | No |
| Fine | Full amount | Full amount |
| Insurance impact | Yes (3 years) | Usually none |
| Frequency allowed | Unlimited | Once per 5 years |
| Appears on record | As conviction | As nolo plea |
For most Georgia drivers, the nolo plea is the fastest and most cost-effective way to handle a routine traffic ticket. The 5-year limitation means you should use it strategically. If you have a minor violation like a broken taillight and a more serious speeding ticket, use the nolo plea on the speeding ticket and pay the fine on the minor one.
Option 2: Defensive Driving Course (Point Reduction)
Georgia allows drivers to take a certified defensive driving course to reduce points on their driving record. Unlike the nolo plea’s 5-year limitation, you can take a defensive driving course once every 12 months.
How Defensive Driving Works in Georgia
A Georgia defensive driving course (also called a Driver Improvement course) is a 6-hour course that, upon completion, reduces your point total by up to 7 points. In some courts, completing the course may result in a full dismissal of your ticket, particularly for first-time or minor offenses.
Steps to Take Defensive Driving
- Contact the court listed on your citation before your appearance date
- Request permission to attend a certified defensive driving course
- The court may require you to enter a guilty or nolo plea first, then allow the course for point reduction
- Complete a court-approved, DDS-certified 6-hour defensive driving course
- Submit your completion certificate to the court by the deadline
- Points are reduced on your driving record (up to 7 points removed)
Georgia Course Format Requirements
Georgia’s defensive driving course requirements differ from other states. Here is what you need to know:
- Live instruction required: Georgia requires that defensive driving courses be taught by a live instructor, either in person or via live virtual classroom. Fully self-paced online courses (the kind popular in Texas and Florida) are not approved in Georgia.
- Live virtual courses: Georgia recently began allowing live virtual (video conference) courses. You attend a scheduled class via video with a live instructor. This is not the same as a self-paced online course.
- 6 hours: The course is 6 hours long, typically split across one full day or two half-days.
- DDS-certified: The course provider must be certified by the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
For a full comparison of traffic school options across states, see our Traffic School Guide.
Cost
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court fee / fine | $150-$400 (varies by court) |
| Defensive driving course | $75-$125 |
| Total | $225-$525 |
Eligibility
- You have not completed a defensive driving course for point reduction in the past 12 months
- The court approves your request
- You hold a valid Georgia driver’s license
- The offense is eligible (most standard traffic violations qualify)
When Defensive Driving Makes Sense
Defensive driving is the right choice when:
- You already used your nolo plea within the past 5 years
- You have accumulated points and need to reduce your total before reaching 15
- The court offers full dismissal in exchange for course completion
- You want both the fine reduction and the point reduction some courts offer
Option 3: Fight Your Ticket in Court
Every Georgia traffic ticket can be contested. You have the constitutional right to a trial, and many drivers successfully fight their tickets by requiring the state to prove the case.
Process
- Enter a plea of not guilty before your court date (in person, by mail, or online where available)
- The court schedules a trial date
- You choose a bench trial (judge decides) or a jury trial (six jurors decide in State Court)
- The citing officer must appear and testify
- You present your defense, including evidence, witnesses, and cross-examination of the officer
- The judge or jury delivers a verdict
Common Defenses in Georgia
- Speed detection calibration: Georgia law requires radar and lidar devices to be properly calibrated. Officers must also hold current certification. Request the calibration records and officer certification through discovery.
- Improper speed trap: Under Georgia Code Section 40-14-8, speed detection devices cannot be used in certain “speed trap” configurations. A city or county that derives more than 40% of its revenue from traffic fines can face restrictions.
- Signage issues: The speed limit sign was missing, obscured, or not properly posted at the required distance before the enforcement zone.
- Emergency necessity: You were speeding to avoid an immediate hazard or emergency.
- Mistaken identity: The officer stopped the wrong vehicle, particularly common with lidar in heavy traffic.
- Chain of evidence: The officer cannot prove the device was aimed at your specific vehicle.
When to Fight
Fighting your ticket in court makes the most sense when:
- You are confident the officer made a procedural error
- You have evidence that contradicts the citation (dashcam footage, GPS data, witness testimony)
- The fine is high enough to justify the time and potential attorney costs
- You cannot use a nolo plea or defensive driving
- You were not speeding or did not commit the alleged violation
For strategies and preparation tips, see our How to Fight a Speeding Ticket Guide.
Georgia Point System
Georgia uses a point system to track traffic violations on your driving record. If you accumulate 15 or more points within a 24-month period, your license is suspended.
Points by Violation
| Violation | Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 15-18 mph over the limit | 2 |
| Speeding 19-23 mph over the limit | 3 |
| Speeding 24-33 mph over the limit | 4 |
| Speeding 34+ mph over the limit | 6 |
| Running a red light | 3 |
| Reckless driving | 4 |
| Improper passing on a hill or curve | 4 |
| Disobeying a traffic control device | 3 |
| Unlawful passing of a school bus | 6 |
| Aggressive driving | 6 |
| Failure to yield right of way | 3 |
| Following too closely | 3 |
| Improper lane change | 3 |
How Points Affect You
- 4+ points from a single violation: Your record is flagged, and your insurance company is likely notified at renewal.
- 15+ points in 24 months: Your Georgia driver’s license is suspended.
- Points stay on your record: Points remain for 24 months from the violation date.
- Insurance impact: Even without suspension, points trigger insurance rate increases averaging 20-30% per violation. Read our Speeding Ticket Insurance Impact Guide for detailed numbers.
How to Reduce Points
- Nolo plea: Prevents points from being added in the first place.
- Defensive driving course: Reduces your point total by up to 7 points. Available once every 12 months.
- Time: Points drop off after 24 months.
Georgia Super Speeder Law
Georgia’s Super Speeder Law (O.C.G.A. Section 40-6-189) imposes an additional $200 fine on drivers convicted of high-speed violations. This law catches many drivers, including out-of-state visitors, off guard because the surcharge is billed separately and arrives weeks after the initial ticket.
Who Qualifies as a Super Speeder
You are designated a Super Speeder if you are convicted of:
- Driving 85 mph or faster on any road or highway in Georgia
- Driving 75 mph or faster on any two-lane road in Georgia
How the Super Speeder Fine Works
- You receive your traffic citation and resolve it in court (pay the fine, plead guilty, or plead nolo)
- The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) reviews the conviction
- If your speed meets the Super Speeder threshold, DDS mails you a separate $200 surcharge notice
- You have 120 days to pay the $200 Super Speeder fine
- If you do not pay within 120 days, your license is suspended
Important Details
- The $200 surcharge is in addition to the original ticket fine and any court costs
- A nolo contendere plea does not prevent the Super Speeder surcharge. If your speed is recorded at the qualifying threshold, the DDS will still assess the fee.
- Out-of-state drivers receive the surcharge notice by mail. Failure to pay can result in a hold on your Georgia driving privileges, which may affect your home state license through the Driver License Compact.
- The Super Speeder fine cannot be reduced through defensive driving.
How to Avoid the Super Speeder Surcharge
The only ways to avoid the $200 Super Speeder surcharge are:
- Fight the ticket and get it dismissed entirely
- Get the speed reduced below the Super Speeder threshold through negotiation with the prosecutor
- Get the charge amended to a non-speed-related offense
Georgia Traffic Ticket Fine Ranges
Georgia traffic fines vary significantly by jurisdiction. Cities and counties set their own fine schedules within state guidelines. The following ranges represent typical amounts across Georgia courts.
| Violation | Typical Fine Range |
|---|---|
| Speeding (1-10 mph over) | $100-$200 |
| Speeding (11-14 mph over) | $150-$250 |
| Speeding (15-18 mph over) | $200-$350 |
| Speeding (19-24 mph over) | $300-$500 |
| Speeding (25+ mph over) | $400-$750 |
| Running a red light | $200-$350 |
| Running a stop sign | $150-$275 |
| Reckless driving | $500-$1,000 |
| No insurance | $550-$1,200 |
| Expired registration | $100-$200 |
| Following too closely | $150-$275 |
| Super Speeder surcharge | $200 (flat) |
These are base fines only. Add court costs ($50-$150), the potential Super Speeder surcharge ($200), and insurance increases ($1,500-$4,000 over 3 years) to calculate the true cost. Use our True Cost Calculator for an estimate specific to your situation.
Important Deadlines
Missing a deadline on your Georgia traffic ticket can result in additional fines, a failure to appear charge, or a license suspension. Keep track of these critical dates.
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Respond to your ticket | Before the court date printed on your citation |
| Request nolo plea or defensive driving | At or before your court appearance |
| Complete defensive driving course | Deadline set by the court (typically 60-90 days) |
| Submit course completion certificate | Before court-set deadline |
| Pay Super Speeder surcharge | 120 days from DDS notice |
| Request a trial | Before your court appearance date |
What Happens If You Miss Your Court Date
If you fail to appear on your court date or respond to your citation:
- The court enters a guilty plea by default
- A failure to appear (FTA) is reported to the DDS
- Your license may be suspended
- An additional $200 FTA fee may be assessed
- A bench warrant may be issued for your arrest
How Much Will Your Georgia Ticket Cost?
The sticker price on your Georgia traffic ticket is just the beginning. A $250 speeding ticket can cost $2,500 or more when you factor in court costs, the Super Speeder surcharge, and three years of insurance rate increases.
Use our True Cost Calculator to see the real number for your specific violation. The calculator factors in Georgia-specific fines, surcharges, and average insurance increases.
Will Your Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
A Georgia speeding ticket raises insurance premiums by an average of 25% for three years. On the average Georgia annual premium of approximately $2,100, that amounts to over $1,575 in additional insurance costs. A nolo plea or defensive driving course can prevent this increase entirely by keeping the conviction off your point record.
For a full breakdown of insurance impacts by violation type, see our Speeding Ticket Insurance Impact Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a nolo contendere plea in Georgia?
A nolo contendere (no contest) plea means you do not admit guilt but accept the court’s punishment, which is typically the fine. The major advantage is that no points are added to your Georgia driving record, which means no insurance rate increase in most cases. Georgia allows one nolo plea every five years for traffic offenses under O.C.G.A. Section 17-7-95.
How often can I use a nolo plea in Georgia?
Georgia law limits the nolo contendere plea to once every five years for traffic offenses. This is different from the defensive driving course, which you can take once every 12 months. If you used a nolo plea less than five years ago, a defensive driving course is your next best option.
Can I take a defensive driving course online in Georgia?
Georgia does not allow fully self-paced online defensive driving courses like those available in Texas or Florida. However, Georgia now permits live virtual courses conducted via video conference with a real instructor. These courses are 6 hours long and must be DDS-certified. You attend a scheduled class session in real time rather than completing modules at your own pace. For a comparison of traffic school options by state, see our Traffic School Guide.
What is the Georgia Super Speeder Law?
Georgia’s Super Speeder Law adds an extra $200 fine if you are convicted of driving 85 mph or faster on any road, or 75 mph or faster on a two-lane road. This surcharge is billed separately by the Department of Driver Services, not by the court. It arrives by mail weeks after you resolve your original ticket. Failure to pay within 120 days results in a license suspension.
How many points before my Georgia license is suspended?
Your Georgia driver’s license is suspended if you accumulate 15 or more points within a 24-month period. Points range from 2 (for speeding 15-18 mph over) to 6 (for speeding 34+ mph over, unlawful passing of a school bus, or aggressive driving). A defensive driving course can remove up to 7 points from your record.
Does a nolo plea prevent the Super Speeder surcharge?
No. The Super Speeder surcharge is based on the recorded speed, not on the type of plea. Even if you enter a nolo contendere plea, the Department of Driver Services will still assess the $200 surcharge if your speed meets the threshold (85+ mph on any road or 75+ mph on a two-lane road). The only way to avoid the surcharge is to get the ticket dismissed entirely or get the speed reduced below the threshold.
Can I get a Georgia traffic ticket dismissed if I live out of state?
Yes, but it requires more effort. You can hire a Georgia traffic attorney to appear on your behalf, or you may be able to handle some courts by mail. The ticket and any points will follow you to your home state through the Driver License Compact. The Super Speeder surcharge also applies to out-of-state drivers, and failure to pay can affect your driving privileges in your home state.
Georgia Traffic Ticket Resources
- Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
- Georgia Code Title 40 - Motor Vehicles and Traffic
- Georgia Super Speeder Law (O.C.G.A. 40-6-189)
- Georgia Courts - Traffic Violations
- Traffic School Guide
- Should You Fight or Pay? Decision Quiz
- True Cost Calculator
- How to Fight a Speeding Ticket
- Speeding Ticket Insurance Impact
This guide provides general information about Georgia traffic ticket options and is current as of 2026. This is not legal advice. Georgia traffic laws and court procedures vary by jurisdiction and change regularly. Consult a licensed Georgia attorney for advice specific to your situation.