Traffic Violations
Traffic violations are non-criminal actions that violate traffic laws and apply to drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Examples of traffic violations include parking too close to a fire hydrant, driving over the posted speed limit, or failing to stop at a stop sign. Drivers who commit traffic violations are issued traffic tickets that must be paid or appealed in a municipal court of law. Law enforcement officers such as the municipal police usually issue traffic tickets to drivers who commit traffic violations.Avoiding Traffic Violations
The best way to avoid traffic violations is to know and obey traffic laws. Easy ways to avoid traffic violations include: staying within the speed limit (or at the least driving no more than 10 miles over the posted limit); coming to a full stop at all stops signs or before a right turn at a red light; yielding where necessary; observing all posted signs. Another easy way to avoid traffic violations is to keep your car well-maintained. Make sure headlights, taillights, and parking lights are in working order and not broken. Cracked windshields and worn tires may also cause you to be pulled over for traffic violations.
Handling a Traffic Violation
When you receive a ticket for traffic violations there are two options: pay the ticket or appear in court to contest it. Contesting the ticket means you disagree with the traffic violation and want to prove your innocence in court. You will be found innocent and the case will be dismissed or guilty as charged and need to pay the fine.
If you choose to pay the ticket, there is usually a specific period of time in which to do so, typically 14 to 20 days from the issuance of the ticket. If the ticket is not paid by this date, a fine will be incurred, and increase with each successive day in which you fail to pay for the ticket.
In some states, your license may be suspended for failure to pay. You will not, however, be arrested. If you lose the ticket, contact the municipal office in charge of issuing tickets. If you are unsure, call city hall or the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. Depending on the type of traffic violation, you may also have points applied against your driving license.
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