Everyone who drives has the responsibility to drive safely. When you first started driving, you likely took driving lessons or your parents accompanied you until you had enough practice. As a new driver, you were likely cautious to obey traffic laws and drive defensively. But as time goes on, it’s easy to become overconfident in your abilities and become more relaxed about being safe. At some point or another, you’ll likely get a traffic ticket.
Even the best drivers get tickets at times. Small mistakes can lead to minor traffic violations, but the important thing is to learn from them and keep improving. Of course, there are more serious violations that have a more severe punishment. Major traffic violations might lead to you having to go to driving school or pay a larger fine. Some violations are even considered crimes. For example, if you get a DUI you could get your license taken away or end up serving jail time. To recover your driving privileges, you’ll likely have to go through DUI Education.
As a responsible driver, it’s important to be aware of the different traffic violations and of course, avoid committing them. Every state and city has its own laws, so it’s important to research the local laws where you live. But here are some traffic violations to be aware of and the possible consequences.
Minor Traffic Violations
Minor traffic violations are the most common driving infractions and usually result in small fines. These violations include speeding, tailgating, running a red light, failing to use a seatbelt, and parking violations. Within the category of minor violations, there can be a difference in severity based on the violation. For example parking violations typically won’t affect your driving record. Speeding on the other hand can become a major violation if you pass the speed limit by a lot or in school zones. If you commit multiple minor violations, you could get your license suspended or have to go to traffic school to clear your record. A minor infraction may or may not affect the price of your car insurance policy, depending on how severe and what type of infraction was committed.
At some point, most drivers will get a ticket for a minor traffic violation. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and improve your driving moving forward.
Major Traffic Violations
Major traffic violations have more serious consequences, as these offenses can put people in danger. Examples of major traffic violations include speeding in a school zone, failure to report an accident, driving while distracted, and driving without insurance. These violations result in more serious fines and steeper hikes in insurance policy prices. Depending on local laws and the severity of the offense, you could even lose your license.
A major traffic violation isn’t something you want to have on your driving record. You’ll only get this kind of traffic ticket if you’re engaging in dangerous driving practices. In some areas, they may require that you go to traffic school before you can drive again after a major traffic offense. Take advantage of this education to improve your driving in the future and avoid putting your own life and the lives of others in danger.
Criminal Offenses
Some major traffic violations are also criminal offenses that could land you in jail. You’ll have to hire a lawyer, appear in court, and receive punishment, which may include the suspension of your license, large fines, jail time, and anything else the judge deems appropriate according to the severity of the offense. A DUI, hit-and-run accident, reckless driving, or failure to comply with a police officer while driving can all land you in big trouble.
Crimes committed while behind the wheel affect a lot more than just your driving record and insurance policy rates. You would never want to commit these kinds of offenses, as they’ll likely affect you for the rest of your life.
How to Avoid Getting A Ticket
The best way to avoid any type of traffic violation is by practicing safe driving at all times. Be aware of road signs, traffic lights, and local speed limits. Don’t ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if they’re prescription drugs that could affect your ability to drive. Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions by turning your phone notifications off and keeping your phone out of reach. Understand local traffic laws and always obey them. You can even take a driving safety course to improve your driving.
While most drivers will get a ticket at some point in their life, it’s good to understand the differences between minor, major, and criminal offenses. Everyone should do their best to drive safely and obey the rules of the road. If you do so, you’ll avoid getting tickets and endangering yourself and others.
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