Is a Traffic Citation a Crime?
Driving is a necessity for millions of people around the world, and unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers are not immune to receiving traffic citations. With the many rules and regulations on the road, it’s crucial to understand what a traffic citation is, what penalties you may face, and whether it’s considered a crime.
Is a Traffic Citation a Crime? Answer
In the United States, a traffic citation is generally considered an infraction, a type of violation that can result in fines and penalties, but not jail time, unless it’s specifically designated as a misdemeanor under state law.
Here’s a comparison of felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions:
| Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Felonies | Prison sentence over 1 year, fines, and/or restoration of probation |
| Misdemeanors | Imprisonment up to 1 year, fine, and/or probation |
| Infractions | Fines or penalties, but no loss of liberty (jail time) |
Can a Traffic Citation Lead to Criminal Charges?
Under certain circumstances, a traffic citation can escalate to criminal charges. When a traffic citation is enhanced to a crime, such as reckless driving or attempted murder, jail time and heavier penalties apply.
- Racing or participating in stunt driving: Both can carry fines and even imprisonment. In some jurisdictions, intentional racing or driving recklessly can be prosecuted as criminal charges.
- Hit-and-run driving: Hit-and-run collisions can be charged as hit-and-run driving, leading to arrest and potential prison time if the driver failed to contact authorities or stay at the scene.
- Disobeying a reasonable police order: Refusal to comply with a legal order from a law enforcement officer can result in arrest for obstructing governmental administration, leading to increased penalties.
Consequences of a Traffic Citation:
A traffic citation can impact your finances, driving record, insurance rates, and even freedom. Possible consequences for a traffic citation include:
- Fines
- Points or demerit points
- Temporary or permanent driver’s license suspension
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Even imprisonment in specific circumstances mentioned above
How Often Do Traffic Citations End in Criminal Charges?
While traffic citations are frequently issued, only a relatively small percentage actually result in criminal charges.
- A study by the National Institute of Justice found that 93% of misdemeanor cases initiated in 2006 stemmed from traffic or parking violaions, with traffic citations being a significant reason for these infractions to escalate to misdemeanor charges.
Conclusion
In most cases, a traffic citation is not considered a criminal offense, and the potential penalties are monetary fines rather than imprisonment. However, under specific circumstances, a traffic citation can escalated to criminal charges, especially if reckless behavior or safety violations are involved. Understand the laws in your state and the possible consequences if you receive a traffic citation to avoid penalties and make informed decisions behind the wheel.
