Traffic violations or moving violations relate to any kind of law violation committed by the driver of a vehicle while it is moving or parked. The common traffic violations come under infractions or misdemeanors. The serious ones, can, however, be even considered as felonies.
Non-Moving and Moving Traffic Violations
The non-moving and moving traffic violations are the two kinds of traffic violations. Most traffic violations are viewed as minor criminal offenses. However, there are those of a serious nature too, including “driving while intoxicated” or DWI or “driving under the influence” (of alcohol and/or other drugs) or DUI. Again, there can be minor speeding violations that can have serious consequences. This may even be leading to the license getting suspended if several violations occur during a short period of time. The fine that is listed on the face of the ticket issued for a traffic violation is required to be paid. There also raises the possibility of vehicle insurance premiums increasing.
Common Violations
The common moving violations or traffic violations that may require legal action are:
- Exceeding of the speed limit or speeding (this is the most common violation).
- Driving too slowly, particularly in a left-hand lane.
- Running by ignoring a stop sign or red traffic light.
- Not yielding to another vehicle with the right-of-way.
- Failing to maintain a single lane.
- Crossing over a center divider.
- Not using a seat belt when it is compulsory.
- Failing to stop at a crosswalk for allowing pedestrians to cross.
- Failing to stop for a school bus while children are boarding or exiting.
- Driving in a carpool lane when it is illegal to do so.
Most serious among the moving traffic violations are drunk and reckless driving, road rage, street racing, and vehicular homicide.
The non-moving traffic violations usually involve illegal parking, parking in a posted non-parking zone, or at an expired meter. Click here to learn more about traffic offenses in the state of Utah.
Civil and Criminal Traffic Violations
Types of traffic violations include civil traffic violations and criminal traffic violations. A civil traffic infraction is a non-criminal charge that can be disposed of by payment of a civil penalty, requesting a court hearing, or election of a defensive driving course. On the other hand, a criminal traffic offense may be such offenses as D.U.I./DWI, fleeing a police officer, or leaving the scene of an accident. This requires a court appearance, unlike most civil traffic violation cases where court appearances are rare except when the violation involves serious bodily injury or death of another person. Criminal traffic offenses carry with them criminal penalties that can include fines, court costs, and even jail terms.
In all traffic violation cases, the services and help of a traffic violations lawyer can become a necessity. It is important that a traffic violation lawyer is contacted before appearing in court with regard to the traffic violation or speeding violations. It is only the traffic violation attorney who will be able to properly assess the current situation you are in and advise you with the aim to bring about a professional resolution to the traffic violation.
