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Understanding Traffic Violations and Their Categories

Traffic violations fall into different categories based on their severity. Understanding these categories helps you know what type of violation you received and what it might mean for your driving record and insurance rates.

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Minor violations, also called infractions, are the least serious type. These include speeding, expired registration, broken headlights, failure to signal, and parking violations. Infractions typically result in fines and points on your driving record, but they do not involve jail time. Most people receive at least one or two infractions during their driving years. The fines for infractions vary by state and the specific violation, but they generally range from $50 to $500.

Misdemeanor traffic violations are more serious than infractions. These include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, hit-and-run accidents, and driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI). Misdemeanors can result in jail time, larger fines, license suspension, and mandatory programs such as traffic school or substance abuse counseling. A DUI conviction, for example, can result in jail time ranging from a few days to several months for a first offense, fines from $500 to $2,000, and automatic license suspension.

Felony traffic violations are the most serious category and include crimes such as vehicular assault, vehicular manslaughter, and habitual traffic offender status. These violations can result in significant prison time, substantial fines, and permanent loss of driving privileges in some cases.

Different states categorize violations differently, and penalties vary widely. What counts as a misdemeanor in one state might be an infraction in another. This is why learning about your specific state's traffic laws matters. When you receive a traffic citation, the document typically tells you which category of violation it is and what penalties you might face.

Practical Takeaway: Review your citation carefully to understand what category of violation you received. This determines what steps you may need to take next and what consequences might apply.

How Traffic Points and Driving Records Work

Most states use a point system to track driving violations on your record. Each type of violation carries a certain number of points. When you accumulate too many points within a set time period, your license may be suspended or revoked. Understanding how this system works helps you see the long-term impact of violations on your driving privileges.

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Point values differ by state and violation type. For example, in many states, speeding 1-10 miles over the limit might be worth 3 points, while speeding 31 miles or more over the limit might be worth 6 points. Reckless driving might be worth 6 points or more. Running a red light is often 4 points. At-fault accidents typically add points to your record as well.

Most states allow points to drop off your record after a certain period, often 3 to 7 years, depending on the state and the violation type. However, serious violations like DUI may remain on your record longer or permanently in some states. Some states offer point reduction programs or traffic school courses that allow you to remove points if you complete the course successfully.

Your driving record contains more than just violation points. It also shows all traffic citations you have received, accidents you were in, license suspensions, and restrictions placed on your license. Insurance companies look at this record when setting your rates. A violation that adds points to your record typically also results in higher insurance premiums for 3 to 5 years.

You can obtain a copy of your driving record from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Many states allow you to request your record online, by mail, or in person. It is wise to check your record periodically to make sure the information is correct. If you find errors, you should contact your DMV to dispute them, as errors can affect your insurance rates and license status.

Practical Takeaway: Request a copy of your driving record from your state DMV to see what violations and points are currently on file, and verify that all information is correct.

Responding to a Traffic Citation: Your Options

When you receive a traffic citation, you generally have several options for how to respond. The citation document should explain these options and provide deadlines. Understanding what each option means helps you make an informed decision about how to handle the violation.

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Paying the citation is the most common response. When you pay, you are typically admitting guilt and accepting the violation. You can usually pay by mail, online, or in person at the courthouse listed on your citation. The amount you pay covers the fine and any court costs. However, paying the citation means the violation will appear on your driving record and may result in points being added to your record.

Requesting traffic school or a defensive driving course is another option. Many states allow drivers to take a court-approved traffic school class in place of paying the fine or as a way to reduce points on their record. These courses teach information about traffic laws and safe driving practices. Completing the course typically costs $20 to $100, depending on your state and the course provider. The benefit is that the violation may not be reported to your insurance company, or points may be reduced or removed from your record. However, you can usually only use this option once every 12 to 24 months.

Contesting the citation in traffic court is an option if you believe the citation was issued unfairly or incorrectly. When you contest a citation, you request a hearing before a judge. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney. At the hearing, you can present evidence and witness testimony to challenge the citation. The officer who issued the citation must also be present to testify. If the judge finds in your favor, the citation may be dismissed. However, if the judge finds against you, the consequences may be the same as if you had simply paid the citation.

Some citations may be reduced to a lesser violation as part of a plea agreement, though this option is more common in misdemeanor cases than infraction cases. Your citation document should explain the deadline for responding and where to submit your response.

Practical Takeaway: Review your citation document to understand your response options, note the deadline, and decide which option makes sense for your situation before taking action.

Insurance Impact and Long-Term Consequences

One of the most significant long-term effects of a traffic violation is its impact on your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies view traffic violations as indicators of driving risk. When you have a violation on your record, insurance companies typically raise your premiums or may even decline to renew your policy.

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Most insurance companies increase rates after a violation, with increases ranging from 10% to 50% or more, depending on the violation type and your insurer. For example, a speeding ticket might result in a 10% to 15% rate increase, while a DUI conviction typically results in much larger increases, sometimes doubling or tripling your premium. These increased rates usually last for 3 to 5 years, even if the violation drops off your driving record.

Different insurance companies treat violations differently. Some companies are more lenient, while others penalize violations heavily. Some companies specialize in insuring drivers with violations. If your current insurer significantly increases your rates, shopping around with other insurers may result in lower premiums. However, you should disclose all violations when getting quotes, as providing false information could result in policy cancellation.

Beyond insurance costs, violations can affect employment. If your job involves driving, a violation could put your job at risk. Some employers require employees who drive to maintain a clean driving record. Commercial drivers face even stricter consequences, as violations against a commercial driver's license can result in loss of employment.

Accumulating multiple violations within a certain time period can result in license suspension or revocation. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for a set period. A revoked license is more serious and may require you to apply for a new license after a waiting period. During suspension or revocation, driving is illegal and can result in criminal charges.

Some violations may affect other aspects of your life. A DUI conviction, for example, becomes part of your criminal record and may affect background checks for employment, housing, or professional licenses. This is why understanding your options when responding to a serious violation is particularly important.

Practical Takeaway: Contact your insurance company to understand how a violation affects your specific policy, and consider whether shopping for insurance rates with other companies might save money.

State-Specific Variations and Resources