What Are The Different Types Of Traffic Tickets?
If you've gotten a traffic ticket, it's important to know what kind it is. This will affect the possible consequences and how you should fight the ticket. Here are the basic categories.
Non-Moving Violation
A non-moving violation is the most basic type of traffic ticket. Non-moving violations are usually for things that don't affect other cars driving on the road. Examples include illegal parking, not wearing your seatbelt, or having a burned-out brake light.
The only penalty for a non-moving violation is usually a fine. You generally won't get points on your license. Non-moving violations also don't usually affect your insurance. However, if the fine is large or you just want to stand up for your rights, you may still want to have a traffic lawyer fight it.
Moving Violation
Moving violations are probably what you usually think of when you think about getting a ticket from a police officer. They include things like speeding tickets, running a red light, or careless driving.
A moving violation will usually come with a fine, plus points on your license. The amount of points depends on how serious the violation was. If you get too many points in a set period of time, your license will automatically be suspended. Moving violations will also usually cause your insurance rates to go up. The rate increase can be more than the fine itself.
To protect your driving record and wallet, you usually want to consider fighting a moving violation. Even if you think you were wrong, you can often beat the ticket on a technicality. You may also be able to negotiate down to a lower infraction with less severe consequences.
Criminal Traffic Tickets
Traffic tickets can also be criminal. This is reserved for the most severe offenses like DUI or reckless driving. In addition to the fine and possible license suspension of a regular ticket, you could also be facing jail time and a criminal record.
If you've been charged with a criminal traffic ticket, it's very important to work with a traffic lawyer. Even being charged with a crime can have serious consequences for your employment and housing opportunities. However, unlike other tickets, the police officer and prosecutor must prove a criminal ticket beyond a reasonable doubt. This gives your lawyer more room to work to try to beat the ticket or get it reduced to a non-criminal offense.
To learn more about your traffic ticket, contact a local traffic lawyer today.