Wrong Way on a One-way Street

According to Georgia law, operating a motor vehicle on the wrong side of the roadway designated for one-way traffic is illegal. This includes driving against the flow of traffic on a street or road where traffic is supposed to flow in only one direction.

Penalties

The punishment for driving the wrong way on a one-way street can vary depending on the circumstances and other factors involved. Generally, this offense is classified as a misdemeanor. The potential penalties for a first offense may include:

1. Traffic Citation: If you are caught driving the wrong way on a one-way street, you may receive a traffic citation from a law enforcement officer. The citation will typically include information about the violation, such as the date, time, and location of the incident.
2. Points on Driving Record: In Georgia, certain traffic offenses, including driving on the wrong side of a one-way street, can result in the addition of three points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points within a specific timeframe can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
3. Increased Insurance Rates: A conviction for driving the wrong way on a one-way street can also impact your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies may consider such violations as indicators of higher risk, potentially resulting in increased premiums.
4. Traffic School: In some cases, the court may offer the option to attend a traffic school or defensive driving course as an alternative to or in addition to fines and penalties. Completing such a program may mitigate the consequences of the offense and potentially remove or reduce points from your driving record.
5. Aggravating factors: If your actions while driving the wrong way on a one-way street result in an accident, property damage, personal injury, or loss of life, you may face additional charges. Depending on the circumstances, these charges could include reckless driving, failure to yield, or even more severe offenses.

Defenses

There are some defenses that your criminal defense attorney can argue based on the facts of your case, including:

1. Lack of Notice: If the signage indicating the one-way nature of the street was missing, obscured, or improperly placed, it could be argued that you did not have proper notice of the roadway designation. 
2. Emergency Situation: If you can demonstrate that you had a legitimate emergency or immediate threat to your safety or the safety of others, you could argue that your actions were necessary under the circumstances. This defense typically requires providing evidence to support that an emergency existed.
3. Necessity: In rare situations where driving the wrong way on a one-way street was the lesser of two evils and necessary to avoid a more serious harm or danger, the defense of necessity may be applicable. This defense requires demonstrating that no reasonable alternative was available to you at the time.

Why you need a lawyer for a wrong way on a one-way street violation

Each case is unique, and the availability and success of any defense depends on the specific details and evidence involved in your case. It is essential to consult with an experienced traffic attorney who can evaluate your case, identify the most appropriate defense strategies, and guide you through the legal process.

Have questions? Give me a call

If a police officer has ticketed you for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Georgia, you are facing the possibility of stiff fines and a day wasted in court – at the very least. If you have points on your record already, you should not plead guilty without talking to an experienced Georgia Traffic Defense Attorney. Questions about your case? Call me today.