Traffic Tickets

Reckless Driving Charges and Penalties

The definition of “reckless driving” and the consequences of a conviction.

Speeding Laws: How Fast You’re Allowed to Drive and Ticket Penalties

Different types of speeding violations and the consequences of being caught driving over the speed limit.

Open Container Laws: Restrictions on Open Alcoholic Beverages in Vehicles

Generally, open container laws prohibit any person from possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle.

Traffic Tickets for Passing a School Bus

The rules for passing stopped school buses, when you have to stop and wait, and the penalties for school bus passing tickets.

Texting, Cellphones, and Distracted Driving Laws

States laws that prohibit drivers from texting, using cellphones, and doing other distracting activities while operating a vehicle.

Tickets for Driving Without a Valid License

Driving while on a suspended or revoked license is a big topic, so we discuss it in its own section below.

Can I Get a Ticket for Cutting a Corner to Get Around a Red Light?

Receiving a traffic ticket for driving in a parking lot is rather uncommon, especially when you’re using the parking lot as intended—for parking.

Stop Sign Tickets

When and how you are required to stop for a stop sign and the possible penalties for a violation.

Traffic Tickets for Running a Red Light

Similar to stop and yield signs, traffic lights are designed to control the flow of traffic on the roadways.

Red Light Camera Tickets

Red light cameras are most often seen in high-traffic areas where violations or collisions are common.

Vehicular Homicide: What Happens When You Cause Another’s Person Death in a Car Accident

Depending on the circumstances, vehicular manslaughter or homicide can be a misdemeanor or a felony criminal offense.

How Traffic Violation Point Systems Work

What it means when the DMV assesses demerit points to your driving record and the consequences of building up too many points.

Taking Traffic School to Dismiss or Avoid the Penalties for a Traffic Ticket

The requirements for traffic school and how completion can reduce the consequences of or result in the dismissal of a traffic citation.

Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign: The Law, Common Defenses, and Penalties

Anyone who’s cited for violating the law is presumed innocent until proven guilty. This concept applies equally to traffic tickets such as stop sign violations. This article covers some of the basic ways to fight a stop sign ticket in court, typical penalties for stop sign violations, and some options

Truck Driver Laws: Commercial Driver’s License Rules and Regulations

Whether we’re talking about a semi-truck, school bus, or hazmat vehicle, to lawfully operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), the driver must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). To obtain a CDL, the driver must receive special training and pass certain tests and a medical examination. But

Hit and Run: Failure to Stop and Render Aid After an Auto Accident

Vehicle collisions can be stressful, and drivers don’t always know what they’re supposed to do after being involved in an accident. However, all states have laws that require drivers to take certain actions following an accident. Drivers who fail to abide by these rules—which generally require

What to Do If You Can’t Pay a Speeding Ticket

Speeding tickets and other traffic citations tend to occur at the worst possible time. Nobody thinks about traffic tickets when earmarking money for monthly expenses. However, even if you don’t have the cash on hand to pay a ticket, procrastination usually doesn’t improve your situation. Unpaid traffic

Vehicular Assault

Motorists who injure or attempt to injure another person while driving irresponsibly or aggressively can face serious criminal charges. In many states, a driver can be charged with “vehicular assault” for injuring another with a vehicle intentionally or as the result of being inattentive, reckless,

Can a Speeding Ticket be a Misdemeanor or Felony?

Generally, a traffic ticket for speeding is an infraction, which typically isn’t considered to be a criminal offense. As a traffic infraction, a speeding ticket normally carries a small fine and possibly license demerit points. But a speeding violation that’s charged as a misdemeanor or felony can

Fleeing From an Officer

Simply avoiding a patrolling officer isn’t technically a crime. But under certain circumstances, fleeing from the police is a serious criminal offense that carries severe penalties. This article explains when avoiding the police turns into criminal fleeing. We will also explain what you can expect

Motorcycle Helmet Requirements

In an effort to keep motorcycle drivers and passengers safe, the laws of many states require all riders to use helmets and protective eyewear. However, most states, though they generally have some safety requirements for motorcycle riders, don’t require helmets and eye protection across the board.

Do I Need an SR-22 If My License was Suspended?

In the simplest terms, an SR-22 is just proof of vehicle insurance. For most drivers, a standard insurance card is adequate proof of insurance. But for certain drivers, an SR-22 is also required. This article outlines why you might be required to obtain an SR-22, what an SR-22 actually is, and how you

Is Tailgating Illegal?

Tailgating is pretty common in everyday traffic. And, although police don’t issue many tailgating tickets, following another vehicle too closely is illegal and can result in a citation. A tailgating ticket can sometimes carry hefty fines and even license-related penalties. This article will explain

Impeding Traffic by Driving Too Slowly

Driving at excessive speeds can be unsafe and, as many drivers have experienced, lead to speeding tickets and hefty fines. But driving unreasonably slow in the presence of faster-moving traffic, too, can create safety hazards. So states also have laws that prohibit driving so slowly as to impede the

How are Moving and Non-Moving Traffic Violations Different?

Most traffic violations are designated as either moving or non-moving violations. This designation goes beyond just the rotation of tires and can impact how a traffic conviction affects the driver’s insurance, license, and driving record. This article explains how violations are categorized and how

What Are Primary and Secondary Traffic Offenses?

In most states, traffic violations are broken up into two categories: “primary violations” and “secondary violations.” These categories are generally based on the seriousness of the offense (primary being more serious than secondary). However, the main importance of these labels is what they

Is Street Racing Illegal?

Most people understand that doing the quarter-mile in less than ten seconds on a city street is going to be illegal. But many other activities such as peeling out, fishtailing, spinning donuts, and stomping the gas can also result in criminal charges. The criminal charges that can result from street

State Law Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

In addition to a driver’s license, most states require drivers to carry another card: proof of insurance. While almost all states require drivers to have insurance coverage, the specifics of the requirements—including the types of insurance and levels of coverage—vary by state. This article outlines

Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?

Motorists should always use extra care when pedestrians are present. But, at the same time, pedestrians don’t have carte blanche authority to cross the street or meander on roadways wherever they please. All states have laws specifying the right of way rules that apply between pedestrians and vehicles.

Are Tinted Windows Illegal?

It’s pretty common to see vehicles with an extremely dark tint or window decals that make it impossible to see inside. When you see windows like this you might wonder whether it’s legal. In truth, depending on the laws of your state, it might not be. Every state has laws governing the required visibility

How to Legally Upgrade and Customize Your Vehicle Lighting

Federal and state laws require highway vehicles to have certain types of lighting. Generally, these requirements are based on safety concerns. Along with lighting requirements, the law also imposes limits on how bright and luminescent a vehicle can be. Additionally, there are restrictions on the colors

Driving a Commercial Vehicle Without a CDL

The operation of an eighteen-wheeler or a school bus requires specific training and skills and, generally, a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without the proper license and training is not only dangerous but it’s illegal. This article outlines what types

Limits on Suspension Lifts and Oversized Off-Road Tires

Off-road enthusiasts make all kinds of modifications to their vehicles to improve performance on the trail. Some of the more common modifications owners of off-road vehicles use include lift kits, suspension modifications, and oversized tires designed for rough terrain. However, just because these modifications

Graduated and Teen Driver’s License (GDL) Programs

Driving is a state-authorized privilege, and each state has different rules and programs regarding how an unlicensed driver can obtain driving privileges. Often, states require new drivers to hold a variety of limited-use permits before obtaining an unrestricted driver’s license. The requirements and