Home / Knowledge Base / 7 Traffic Violations:  What You Need to Know

7 Traffic Violations: What You Need to Know

Are you aware of the most common traffic violations?  Knowing what they are can help you avoid getting a ticket, and can also prevent accidents on the road.  In this article, we will discuss seven traffic violations that you should be aware of, including statistics and examples of cases.

1. Speeding

Speeding is the most common traffic violation in the United States, accounting for 27% of all traffic fatalities.  The speed limit is posted for a reason, and exceeding it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

If you are caught speeding, you may face fines, points on your license, and even suspension of your driving privileges.  In order to avoid these consequences, it is important to drive within the posted speed limit.

Police officer writing traffic ticket

1. Speeding

Speeding is the most common traffic violation in the United States, accounting for 27% of all traffic fatalities.  The speed limit is posted for a reason, and exceeding it can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Police officer writing traffic ticket

If you are caught speeding, you may face fines, points on your license, and even suspension of your driving privileges.  In order to avoid these consequences, it is important to drive within the posted speed limit.

Example Case:  John was caught driving 10 miles over the speed limit in a school zone.  He received a ticket and points on his license.  He consulted with an attorney who reviewed his case and advised him to attend traffic school to avoid the points on his license.

How can a phone consultation with an attorney help you if you are caught speeding?

A phone consultation can help you understand the potential consequences of a speeding ticket, and can also provide guidance on how to contest the ticket or minimize its impact.  An in-person consultation with an attorney can be even more beneficial, as it can provide you with a detailed analysis of your case and the best course of action to take.

2. Running a Red Light

Running a red light is another common traffic violation that can lead to serious accidents.  In fact, 762 people were killed in 2018 as a result of drivers running red lights.  In addition to the risk of accidents, running a red light can result in a fine and points on your license.

Example Case:  Susan was caught on camera running a red light.  She received a ticket and points on her license.  Her attorney reviewed the video footage and discovered that the yellow light was shorter than the recommended duration.  The attorney wrote a letter to the court citing this fact and the ticket was dismissed.

How can a document review or an attorney-written letter help you if you are caught running a red light?

A document review can help identify any errors in the citation or evidence against you, and an attorney-written letter can be used to contest the ticket based on these errors.

3. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation that can result in fines, points on your license, and even jail time.  Reckless driving is defined as driving with a willful disregard for the safety of others.  This can include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and other dangerous behaviors.

Example Case:  Mark was caught weaving in and out of traffic and driving 20 miles over the speed limit.  He was charged with reckless driving and faced fines and jail time.  His attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and he avoided jail time by attending traffic school and paying a fine.

Car driving reckless

3. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation that can result in fines, points on your license, and even jail time.  Reckless driving is defined as driving with a willful disregard for the safety of others.  This can include speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and other dangerous behaviors.

Car driving reckless

Example Case:  Mark was caught weaving in and out of traffic and driving 20 miles over the speed limit.  He was charged with reckless driving and faced fines and jail time.  His attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and he avoided jail time by attending traffic school and paying a fine.

How can an attorney-made phone call help you if you are charged with reckless driving?

An attorney-made phone call can be used to negotiate a plea bargain or reduce the charges against you.  It can also provide you with guidance on how to best handle the case and avoid serious consequences.

Get Legal Help Today

Become a Member

Personal Legal Plan

Only $24.95 per month

4. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious traffic violation that can result in fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and even jail time.  In 2018, 10,511 people were killed in alcohol-related accidents in the United States.

Example Case:  Sarah was pulled over for DUI and was found to have a blood alcohol level above the legal limit.  She faced fines, suspension of her driver’s license, and even jail time.  Her attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and she attended mandatory alcohol education classes and paid a fine.

How can an in-person consultation with an attorney help you if you are charged with DUI?

An in-person consultation with an attorney can help you understand the potential consequences of a DUI charge and the best course of action to take.  An attorney can also provide you with guidance on how to minimize the impact of a DUI charge and potentially negotiate a plea bargain.

5. Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

Failure to stop at a stop sign is a common traffic violation that can result in a fine and points on your license.  Stop signs are in place to help prevent accidents at intersections, and failing to stop can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Example Case:  Mike was caught on camera failing to stop at a stop sign.  He received a ticket and points on his license.  His attorney reviewed the evidence and discovered that the stop sign was partially obstructed by a tree.  The attorney wrote a letter to the court citing this fact and the ticket was dismissed.

Stop sign

5. Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign

Failure to stop at a stop sign is a common traffic violation that can result in a fine and points on your license.  Stop signs are in place to help prevent accidents at intersections, and failing to stop can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Stop sign

Example Case:  Mike was caught on camera failing to stop at a stop sign.  He received a ticket and points on his license.  His attorney reviewed the evidence and discovered that the stop sign was partially obstructed by a tree.  The attorney wrote a letter to the court citing this fact and the ticket was dismissed.

How can a document review or an attorney-written letter help you if you are caught failing to stop at a stop sign?

A document review can help identify any errors in the citation or evidence against you, and an attorney-written letter can be used to contest the ticket based on these errors.

6. Driving Without a License

Driving without a license is a serious traffic violation that can result in fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and even jail time.  It is important to obtain a valid driver’s license before driving on the road.

Example Case:  Jane was caught driving without a license.  She faced fines and suspension of her driver’s license.  Her attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and she attended mandatory driver’s education classes and paid a fine.

How can a phone consultation with an attorney help you if you are caught driving without a license?

A phone consultation can help you understand the potential consequences of driving without a license and the best course of action to take.  An attorney can also provide you with guidance on how to obtain a valid driver’s license and minimize the impact of the violation.

7. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem on the road and can include texting, talking on the phone, and other activities that take your attention away from driving.  In 2019, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States.

Example Case:  Tom was caught texting while driving.  He faced fines and points on his license.  His attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and he attended mandatory distracted driving education classes and paid a fine.

Distracted driving

7. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem on the road and can include texting, talking on the phone, and other activities that take your attention away from driving.  In 2019, 3,142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States.

Distracted driving

Example Case:  Tom was caught texting while driving.  He faced fines and points on his license.  His attorney was able to negotiate a plea bargain, and he attended mandatory distracted driving education classes and paid a fine.

How can an in-person consultation with an attorney help you if you are charged with distracted driving?

An in-person consultation with an attorney can help you understand the potential consequences of a distracted driving charge and the best course of action to take.  An attorney can also provide you with guidance on how to minimize the impact of a distracted driving violation and potentially negotiate a plea bargain.

Woman enrolling online for a prepaid legal plan.

Become a Member

Once you become a member, you can consult with a traffic defense attorney in your area or the area you need assistance with in addition to utilizing all the legal plan benefits.

error: