Hire a Moving Violation Lawyer to Save Your Driving Record
What Is a Moving Violation?
Moving violations occur when you break a traffic law while driving. This excludes non-moving traffic violations such as expired registration, parking tickets, or not having insurance. Some issues may be considered moving violations in some states but non-moving violations in others, such as driving without a seatbelt.
Types of Moving Violations
Moving violations can range from minor (going 5 mph over the speed limit) to serious (speeding in a school zone). Here are the five most common types of moving violations:
1. Speeding
Speeding typically refers to going faster than the posted speed limit. However, it can also refer to going faster than what is safe, considering the driving conditions. For example, if during a torrential downpour you cannot see a car 10 feet in front of you, it is unsafe to drive the speed limit.
2. Failure to Stop
If you run a red light or do not come to a complete stop, that would be a failure to stop violation. These have become increasingly common with the introduction of red-light cameras. They can catch a person running a red light without an officer being present at the scene.
3. Failure to Yield
Failure to yield is one driver not giving another driver or pedestrian the right of way when driving and traffic laws dictate the driver should. For example, a car turning left into a parking lot from the road has the right of way over a car turning left out of a parking lot.
4. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving refers to a driver doing something on the road that a reasonable person would not do and is likely to lead to injury. A common example of this is racing on a highway. Reckless driving does not have to end in an accident to be a moving violation. There only needs to be a likelihood of an accident happening because of the driving.
5. Careless Driving
Careless driving, also known as distracted driving, covers a wide range of infractions. This includes texting while driving, eating while driving, or failure to use turn signals. Some states do not have a careless driving violation but pair this with reckless driving instead.
What Happens If You Get a Moving Violation?
The consequences of a moving violation can vary depending on the severity of the violation. It also depends on whether you have previous violations.
For example, if you get pulled over for going 12 mph over the speed limit but it is your first time getting pulled over, expect to get off with a warning. If it is your second time caught speeding, you pay a fine determined by your speed.
Fines can range from a couple of hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. This depends on the severity of the moving violation.
In addition to paying fines, you also get points on your license for moving violations. If you accumulate enough points, you face higher insurance premiums and even license suspension. Some states also require driving courses following a violation.
What Are Your Legal Options for a Moving Violation?
Whether it is your first moving violation or your 10th, you must understand your legal options. Even one moving violation can increase your insurance premium and leave you with a hefty fine to pay. And if you are a repeat offender, you can face license suspension. So, what can you do if you ever find yourself cited for a moving violation?
Go to Traffic School
Many states offer drivers the opportunity to clear their driving record and remove points from their license by going to traffic school. Traffic school differs from state to state. Some are held in person and others are online courses, followed by a test.
With this option, the driver still has to pay the fine, but avoids higher insurance premiums and has a clean driving record moving forward. It is the best way to take care of a traffic ticket without worrying about going to court.
Hire an Attorney and Contest the Ticket
If you believe you were cited for a moving violation mistakenly, you can contest the ticket in court. Some attorneys specialize in contesting moving violations and can ensure your legal fees are less than what you would pay if you accepted the fine.
Your attorney can develop a defense such as questioning whether the officer observed what happened correctly. If you win the case, you do not have to pay the fine and will not have points added to your license.
Even if you were at fault, you can still contest the ticket and hope the police officer who gave you the ticket does not show up. If the officer fails to appear on the court date (which is common), you do not have to pay the ticket.
Pay the Ticket
If you want to avoid going to court, you can always just pay the ticket and accept the points on your license. The ticket you received has instructions on how you can pay the fine. Points do not affect your license forever. They typically go away within three years, depending on your state.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer
If you recently got a moving violation and want to avoid paying a fine or getting points on your ticket, you must hire a moving violation attorney. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can not only leave court without paying the ticket fee, but you can also keep your driving record clear.
Connect with a traffic lawyer near you. Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
