Traffic tickets are a common occurrence for many drivers, but not all tickets are created equal. Some traffic violations are more common than others and can result in higher fines, points on your license, and increased insurance rates. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most common traffic tickets and what you need to know about them.
Top Traffic Violations
- Speeding: Speeding is the most common traffic ticket in the United States. If you’re caught driving over the posted speed limit, you can expect to receive a ticket and potentially a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on how far over the speed limit you were driving. Repeat offenders can face more serious consequences, including license suspension or revocation.
- Running a Red Light: Running a red light is a dangerous and illegal driving behavior. If you’re caught, you can expect to receive a ticket and a fine. In some states, red light cameras are used to catch violators, and you may receive a ticket in the mail.
- Improper Lane Changes: Improper lane changes can result in a ticket if you’re caught cutting off other drivers, changing lanes without signaling, or crossing solid lines. These violations can be dangerous and can increase the risk of a crash, so it’s important to stay in your lane and signal before changing lanes.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves engaging in dangerous driving behaviors, such as excessive speeding, swerving, or tailgating. If you’re caught, you can expect to receive a ticket and a fine, and in some cases, you may even face jail time.
- Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign: Failure to stop at a stop sign is a common traffic violation and can result in a ticket and a fine. It’s important to come to a complete stop at all stop signs, even if you don’t see any other cars or pedestrians nearby.
- Driving Without a Valid License or Insurance: Driving without a valid license or insurance is illegal, and can result in a ticket and a fine. In some cases, you may face more serious consequences, including license suspension or revocation.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving, such as texting while driving or using a cell phone, is a growing problem in the United States. If you’re caught, you can expect to receive a ticket and a fine, and in some cases, you may face jail time.
- Improper Parking: Improper parking, such as parking in a handicapped spot without a permit, can result in a ticket and a fine. It’s important to follow all parking regulations and restrictions to avoid receiving a ticket.
Traffic tickets can have serious consequences for your driving record and your wallet. By following the rules of the road and driving safely, you can avoid receiving traffic tickets and the associated fines and penalties. If you do receive a ticket, it’s important to take it seriously and take the necessary steps to avoid receiving additional tickets in the future.
Join 500,000 drivers who use a DriveSafe Online defensive driving course to receive an auto insurance discount or to dismiss a traffic ticket.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.