Have you ever seen flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror while driving? There’s a good chance the police have caught you violating one or more traffic regulations. According to statistics, police issue more than 2.5 million motor vehicle-related tickets annually, with traffic offenses being the main reason for them to turn on their blue lights and stop cars. Read on to find out more about the most common driving infractions.
What Is a Driving Infraction?
Most traffic penalties involve driving and are called “violations” or “civil infractions.” The lowest level of traffic offense is a traffic infraction, which is not a crime. The next category is misdemeanors, and the most serious ones are felonies. Typical instances of infractions are as follows:
- Speeding
- Not stopping or yielding
- Not using a signal
- Driving without proper lights or no lights in dimly lit areas
- Failing to fasten your seat belts
The Trending Driving Infractions From the Past Year (DUI)
Numerous moving violations occur daily on our roads. The trending ones include:
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Hit-and-run
- Racing
- Reckless driving
- Texting while driving
Instead of traffic courts, criminal courts handle moving violations because they are inherently crimes. Police can elevate a routine moving violation to a criminal charge under specific circumstances. For instance, depending on how far over the limit the vehicle was going and how much the road conditions rendered it risky, authorities may choose to punish speeding as an infraction or a criminal offense.
Only a small number of traffic infractions, such as a third DUI and fleeing the scene of an accident as a result of death or severe injury, are punishable as felonies. If a minor or felony traffic offense is brought against you, be aware of what the criminal courts can impose.
What Else to Know about Driving Infractions
Other factors regarding traffic infractions are worth noting as a driver. Below, we have listed some of the most essential information you should have in case of a traffic rule infringement.
Moving and Nonmoving Violations
Moving and nonmoving violations are additional classifications for traffic infractions in various jurisdictions. Generally speaking, moving infractions are more significant than nonmoving violations. Among the moving offenses are things like speeding and running a red light. Violations of improper car parking and malfunctioning equipment are a classification of nonmoving violations.
Limited Accountability
Traffic violations are typically classified as strict liability crimes. Because they are strict liability crimes, drivers can be held guilty of traffic infractions with or without malice. You will face conviction as a driver if you know you have exceeded the speed limit.
Court Procedures
Traffic courts punish traffic offenses in many jurisdictions using less formal procedures than criminal courts. Drivers have several options when facing traffic citations. In most states, drivers can plead guilty to avoid court procedures by paying the fine via mail or online. If summoned, drivers must appear in court for a bench trial if they plead not guilty.
Penalties
In most states, driving offenses do not lead to jail. Fines, traffic school, and driver demerit points are typical penalties. Too many points will raise your insurance rates and perhaps suspend your license.
Wrap Up
Today, you leave this site well-versed in traffic infractions. We covered the definitions and various traffic offenses that lead to infractions. Therefore, be careful and observe all traffic rules to avoid traffic felonies. Otherwise, have a safe drive!