What’s a Moving Violation?
A moving violation is a type of traffic offense that occurs when a driver breaks a traffic law while their vehicle is in motion. This can include a wide range of offenses, from speeding and running red lights to failing to stop at stop signs and ignoring traffic signals. Moving violations are considered more serious than non-moving violations, such as parking infractions, and can result in more severe penalties, including fines, points on a driver’s license, and even license suspension or revocation.
Types of Moving Violations
There are many different types of moving violations, including:
- Speeding: Driving at a speed that is greater than the posted speed limit.
- Reckless driving: Driving in a manner that is reckless and puts others at risk.
- Aggressive driving: Driving in an aggressive or unsafe manner, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, or failing to yield.
- Red light running: Running a red light or failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
- Failure to yield: Failing to yield to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely.
- Weaving in and out of lanes: Driving in and out of lanes without checking for other traffic.
- Making an illegal turn: Turning without coming to a complete stop or failing to use a turn signal.
- Disobeying a traffic signal: Failing to obey a traffic signal, such as failing to stop at a stop light or failing to proceed through a green light.
Consequences of Moving Violations
The consequences of moving violations can be severe and can vary depending on the state or country where the violation occurred. Some common consequences of moving violations include:
- Fines: Fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of the violation and the jurisdiction.
- Points on a driver’s license: Points can be added to a driver’s license for each moving violation, which can lead to a suspension or revocation of the license if the points accumulate.
- License suspension or revocation: In some cases, a driver’s license may be suspended or revoked for a period of time, often for a serious moving violation such as reckless driving.
- Increased insurance premiums: Moving violations can also result in increased insurance premiums, as insurance companies consider drivers who commit moving violations to be higher risk.
- Jail time: In some cases, moving violations can result in jail time, particularly for serious offenses such as reckless driving or driving under the influence.
Defenses Against Moving Violations
While moving violations can be serious, there are several defenses that drivers may use to contest the violation. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of evidence: If the officer who issued the citation did not have sufficient evidence to prove the violation, the driver may be able to contest the citation.
- Improper equipment: If the officer used equipment that was not properly calibrated or maintained, the driver may be able to challenge the citation.
- Emergency situation: If the driver was in an emergency situation and had no choice but to commit the moving violation, they may be able to use this as a defense.
- Mistaken identity: If the driver was mistaken for another driver who committed the moving violation, they may be able to contest the citation.
Prevention Strategies
While moving violations can be serious, there are several strategies that drivers can use to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Some common strategies include:
- Obeying traffic laws: Always follow traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals.
- Driving defensively: Anticipate the actions of other drivers and be prepared to react accordingly.
- Staying alert: Stay alert and awake while driving, as fatigue can increase the risk of moving violations.
- Avoiding distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, such as using a cell phone or eating.
- Maintaining your vehicle: Keep your vehicle in good working condition, including regular maintenance and inspections.
Conclusion
Moving violations are serious traffic offenses that can result in severe penalties, including fines, points on a driver’s license, and even license suspension or revocation. There are many different types of moving violations, and the consequences of committing one can be severe. By understanding the types of moving violations and the consequences of committing one, drivers can take steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Additionally, drivers who are stopped for a moving violation should be aware of the common defenses against moving violations and take steps to challenge the citation if necessary.
