Most Common Traffic Violations

Traffic tickets aren't fun. A traffic ticket causes delays, costs a few hundred dollars in fines, and adds points to your license. Traffic ticket violations increase the cost of your insurance and may compel you to attend traffic school.

Knowing the most common traffic violations means knowing which behaviors to avoid when driving.

The following are a few of the most common traffic violations.

Speeding

Speeding is the leading cause of traffic stops because it poses a danger to all road users. In 2020 alone, speed was responsible for 11,258 deaths.

A speed limit exists to save lives and changes depending on location. For instance, the speed limit near a school can be 20 mph. Surpassing the limit is a violation of the law.

To avoid a speeding ticket, be aware of your surroundings and adjust your speed according to the speed limit signs. Planning your trip helps reduce last-minute rushes.

Running a Red Light

Traffic signals help regulate the flow of traffic on the road. A yellow light warns you to slow down, and a red light requires you to stop at the intersection.

Nevertheless, sometimes we rush through yellow lights to beat the light. Your timing could be off if you misjudge the light change, which could cause you to run a red light.

The worst-case scenario is to ignore the light and run the intersection. As a result, you and other drivers at the intersection are at high risk of a crash, which often is your fault.

Distracted Driving

Talking, texting, eating, drinking, and fiddling with the stereo while driving constitutes distracted driving. The activities take a driver's attention away from safe driving and increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

A driver should not multitask while driving. Texting or emailing while driving is more common among older teens. Older teens were the most involved in mobile phone–related fatal crashes in the U.S in 2019.

Distracted driving is preventable. One way to reduce distraction-related accidents is for passengers to speak up and ask a driver to focus when driving.

Many states have enacted laws to prevent distracted driving, such as hands-free laws. Parents should also talk to teenagers or young adults about the dangers of distracted driving and how to drive safely.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Drink-driving is a criminal offense in all states. The DUI violation encompasses impairment by alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances.

Police officers have the mandate to conduct chemical tests on a driver's breath, blood, or urine if they suspect you're under the influence. DUI checkpoints can also be at any sobriety checkpoints. The police can charge you with DUI if your blood-alcohol content (BAC) exceeds the federal BAC limit of 0.08%.

To limit the damage, take the following steps:

• Designate a non-drinking driver when with a group.
• Call a taxi if you've been drinking or using any controlled substance.
• Don't let your friends drive impaired.

Additionally, certain prescription drugs can cause intoxication despite being legal. Avoid driving while you take such medications.

Making an Improper Turn

Making improper turns is a dangerous habit that often surprises other drivers and may lead to a collision. One common improper turn offense is failure to signal continuously 100 feet before turning. Failure to signal often results in a traffic ticket.

Always look for oncoming traffic before making a turn. Stay vigilant for signs and pavement marking to prevent turn accidents, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Driving is a part of everyday life for many people. While you can't avoid traffic tickets completely, steering clear of common offenses is a good way to keep your money, keep you and your loved ones safe, and stay out of trouble.

If you are ready to start driving or need government-mandated driving classes, contact us today to set up an appointment.