What’s Considered a Moving Violation?
A moving violation is a type of traffic offense that occurs while a vehicle is in motion. In most jurisdictions, moving violations are considered more serious than non-moving violations, such as parking infractions. If you are convicted of a moving violation, you may face fines, license points, and even penalties, such as increased insurance rates or even a license suspension.
What Counts as a Moving Violation?
A moving violation can take many forms. Some common examples include:
• Speeding: Failing to obey posted speed limits or driving faster than the speed limit in certain areas, such as school zones or construction zones.
• Reckless driving: Operating a vehicle in a reckless or imprudent manner, including speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and ignoring traffic signals.
• Failure to yield: Failing to yield to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists, which can include failing to stop at a stop sign or red light.
• Making an improper turn: Failing to use a proper turn signal, turning illegally, or failing to complete a turn properly.
• Following too closely: Tailgating or driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, which can increase the risk of a collision.
• Disobeying traffic signals: Failing to obey traffic signals, including red lights, yellow lights, and stop signs.
Other Types of Moving Violations
Some jurisdictions may also consider other actions as moving violations, including:
• Speeding in a school zone: Failing to slow down or obey speed limits in areas where children are present.
• Drunk driving: Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which is a serious safety threat to yourself and others.
• Distracted driving: Engaging in distracted driving behaviors, such as texting or using a cell phone while driving, which can take your attention away from the road.
• Commercial vehicle violations: Violating regulations specific to commercial vehicles, such as logging truckers or bus drivers, which can put more people at risk.
Penalties for Moving Violations
The penalties for moving violations can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific offense. Some common penalties include:
| Infraction | Fines | Points | License Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (5-10 mph over) | $50-$200 | 2 points | No |
| Speeding (11-20 mph over) | $100-$400 | 4 points | No |
| Speeding (21-30 mph over) | $150-$600 | 6 points | No |
| Reckless driving | $200-$1,000 | 8 points | Yes (possible suspension) |
| Drunk driving | $1,000-$5,000 | 12 points | Yes (mandatory suspension) |
How Moving Violations Affect Your Insurance
In addition to the penalties listed above, moving violations can also increase your insurance rates. Deductible increases are common, and your premiums may increase by up to 20% for certain violations, such as speeding or reckless driving.
How to Avoid Moving Violations
To avoid moving violations, it’s important to:
• Pay attention to the road: Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions.
• Follow posted signs and signals: Pay attention to speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs.
• Anticipate the actions of others: Be aware of the actions of other drivers and pedestrians to avoid conflicts.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid tailgating.
• Don’t drive while distracted: Avoid using your cell phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting behaviors while driving.
Conclusion
Moving violations are serious offenses that can have significant consequences. By understanding what constitutes a moving violation and taking steps to avoid them, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. Remember to always pay attention to the road, follow posted signs and signals, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents and fines.
