What Are Some Common Traffic Violations?

Traffic laws exist across the country as a measure to keep everyone on the road safe. Anyone found guilty of violating a traffic law could face a number of penalties as a deterrent to prevent them from repeating the risky behavior again. However, certain violations are much more common than others. You may be wondering, “What are some common traffic violations?” By better understanding traffic laws, drivers can avoid making costly and unsafe mistakes.

Speeding Detection and Penalties

Driving faster than the posted speed limit is one of the most frequently observed traffic violations. It is also one of the leading causes of car accidents. Law enforcement uses radar, speed cameras, and the pacing technique to try to catch those who are driving too fast. The consequences of this violation will vary depending on how fast the offender was driving. They could be fined, receive points on their license, and experience an increased insurance rate.

Running a Red Light or a Stop Sign

Both traffic signals and stop signs are critical to prevent accidents from happening at intersections. Unfortunately, drivers often ignore these important signs due to impatience or distraction. Running a red light or stop sign can cause severe accidents, especially in a high-traffic area or at an intersection where pedestrians are crossing.

Distracted Driving

A growing problem amongst drivers is the temptation of distraction. The widespread use of smartphones has played into this issue. This includes any activity that takes away a driver’s attention from the road, such as:

• Texting or calling someone on the phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio or GPS
• Talking to a passenger or reaching for an object in the car

Even if it seems like diverting your attention away for a brief moment will be unproblematic, an unexpected hazard can appear in seconds, providing you with less time to react and maneuver the vehicle to avoid an accident.

Reckless or Aggressive Driving

“Reckless driving” is a broad term that describes many different unsafe behaviors on the road, such as excessive speeding, aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals on purpose. It’s what has coined the term “road rage,” which can be extremely dangerous. Penalties for anyone who engages in aggressive driving behavior can be more serious than standard punishments, as these incidents can lead to more serious injuries or fatalities.

Failure to Yield

It’s important to understand the concept of yielding, as this traffic law is designed to help prevent unnecessary collisions and keep traffic running more smoothly. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so by:

• Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks
• Failing to yield to emergency vehicles
• Ignoring yield signs at intersections
• Merging onto a highway without checking to see if any other traffic is coming

Failing to yield can result in serious collisions, especially at busy intersections and highway on-ramps. A driver who fails to yield and causes an accident as a result may be liable for all of the damages and medical expenses incurred by the victims.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most serious traffic violations, as it involves making the dangerous decision to operate a vehicle without the capacity to do so. Alcohol and drugs impair a driver’s ability to make sound judgments and slow their reaction times, which can increase the likelihood of causing an accident.

Some potential consequences of a DUI conviction include:

• Heavy fines and legal fees
• Mandatory alcohol education or rehabilitative program
• License suspension or revocation
• Possible jail time, especially if it was not the driver’s first offense

FAQs

Q: What Is a “Normal Ticket”?

A: Some might refer to a “normal ticket” as a standard traffic violation that does not involve any reckless or criminal behavior. This can include a minor speeding violation, failing to use a turn signal, running a stop sign, or making an illegal U-turn. The consequences of a normal ticket are much lighter than more serious violations but can still result in points on a driver’s license, a fine, and possibly an increase in auto insurance rates to deter repeat behavior.

Q: What Happens if You Don’t Pay a Traffic Ticket?

A: If you fail to pay for a traffic ticket, it can lead to serious legal consequences. For instance, you could be subjected to additional fines, your license could be suspended for even longer, and a warrant may even be issued for your arrest in more extreme cases. An unpaid ticket can also impact one’s credit score if it ends up being sent to collections. To avoid these penalties, either make sure you pay the ticket on time or connect with an attorney to help you contest the ticket in court.

Q: Can You Fight a Traffic Ticket?

A: Yes, all drivers have the right to contest a traffic ticket in court if they believe it was issued unfairly. Some of the most common objections to a traffic ticket include arguing that the traffic signs were unclear, challenging how accurate a cop’s speed radar was, or suggesting that the traffic violation was necessary to avoid causing a more serious accident. If you are successful, this can prevent points from being added to your driving record and save you money on fines.

Q: Can Traffic Violations Lead to Criminal Charges?

A: While many traffic violations will remain civil infractions that only result in fines and points on one’s license, they can escalate into criminal charges in certain cases. Some of the more common examples include reckless driving, hit-and-run accidents, DUIs resulting in another person’s death or serious injury, and vehicular manslaughter. Anyone who faces these more extreme charges should consult with a lawyer to understand their defense options.

Contact the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick Today

If you have any questions or are looking for guidance regarding a recent traffic violation, contact our law firm today. We have a strong understanding of the rules of the road and can investigate your case to ensure you are not forced to deal with unnecessary consequences or punishments. We look forward to meeting you and explaining how we can help.