What Are the Types of Traffic Tickets?

Types of traffic tickets include equipment violations, driving without a seat belt, distracted driving, running a stop sign, running a red light, or following too closely. Non-moving violations, like parking tickets, and minor moving violations, like speeding tickets, are often infractions, but more serious driving violations, like reckless driving, are criminal misdemeanors. For drivers with a criminal record, a DUI charge could be a misdemeanor or felony traffic offense. Most traffic tickets only have a fine, but drivers with too many license points can get a license suspension.

Most traffic violations are non-criminal civil infractions, such as “speeding tickets or small traffic accidents. Civil infractions only ever carry a fine,” says Michigan DUI defense attorney Daniel J. Larin.

However, some traffic violations are criminal, such as “fleeing and eluding a police officer, driving on a suspended driver’s license, or leaving the scene of an accident,” says Larin. Along with driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving, criminal traffic violations are handled in criminal court.

However, most traffic violations are relatively minor and go to traffic court. Even minor infractions carry fines and can raise your car insurance rates. This article covers different types of traffic tickets and penalties. For personalized legal advice, contact a traffic violations lawyer near you.

Traffic Infractions

Infractions are the least severe and most common type of traffic violation. An infraction is an act (such as running a red light) or omission (such as not wearing a seat belt) that violates the law but is not considered criminal.

Infractions include:

• Speeding violations (going over the posted speed limit)
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Not wearing a seat belt
• Failing to signal at a turn
• Illegal turns (U-turns)
• Driving in the wrong lane
• Driving on a shoulder or median
• Driving past a stopped school bus
• Distracted driving (for example, driving while looking at a cell phone)

The Severity of Traffic Infractions Varies

Not all infractions are equally severe. For example, some states distinguish between moving violations and non-moving violations and treat moving violations more severely:

• Moving violations. These occur when the car is in operation and/or moving. Examples include speeding or running a red light.
• Non-moving violations. These occur when the vehicle is not being driven. A common example is parking violations. Law enforcement could also stop you for outdated vehicle registration tags or for improperly displaying your license plate.

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Traffic Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that can bring heavy fines and jail time. The most common traffic misdemeanors are:

• Drunk driving. This offense has different labels depending on where you live, including Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). First-time DUI offenses are generally misdemeanors.
• Reckless driving. This offense generally involves willful disregard for safety or consequences while driving.

Traffic Felonies

DUI and reckless driving misdemeanors can become felony charges depending on the circumstances. For example, a second DUI can be a felony. Causing property damage or harming others while driving drunk can also raise a DUI to a felony.

Felony convictions are very serious. People charged with a DUI or reckless driving should consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Penalties for Traffic Violations

Traffic violation penalties depend on the offense and state law. Even though civil infractions are less severe, they can still impose financial costs and disrupt your life:

• Ticket fines, which can dramatically increase for speeding in a school or construction zone
• Lost driving privileges, with a suspended or revoked license
• Higher car insurance premiums
• Traffic school for remedial lessons

State Point Systems and License Suspension

Some states use traffic violation point systems to track drivers’ offenses. In states that do, points are assessed under state rules for particular convictions. The more serious the offense, the more points are given. Accumulating too many points can result in a driver’s license suspension or revocation. State law sets the exact number of points and timeframe.

Larin cites Michigan’s point system as an example: “Michigan has a point system of up to 12 points. If someone hits that limit, the DMV calls them in for a review to determine whether there are problems in their ability to drive,” he explains.

“If the DMV doesn’t feel the person is a good driver, it can either suspend their license or restrict it for a period of time, during which they can only drive to specific places like work, a doctor’s appointment, or school.”

In some serious cases, the DMV may revoke a person’s license for life.

Strategies To Get Your License Back After a Temporary Suspension

If your license has been suspended for a finite period, Larin says there are a few possible ways to get it back depending on the situation:

• Reinstatement. At the end of the suspension period, “You can go to the DMV, pay a reinstatement fee, and they will give your license back.”
• Medical reasons. “If your license was suspended for a medical reason, such as having seizures, then to get it back, you’ll have to have another hearing to determine if your medical condition is cleared up so that you can drive safely.”
• Appeal.  Another option for getting your license back after suspension is to “appeal to a circuit court and ask them to restore driving privileges.”

If you plead not guilty and contest the traffic ticket, you’ll go to traffic court. If you choose this option, make sure you know your court date so you don’t miss your appearance. Missing your court appearance is an automatic loss, says Larin. It’s also important to know about potential court costs.

Find a Traffic Violations Lawyer

If you go to court to contest a traffic violation, it’s a good idea to speak with a lawyer about the process and your particular violation. If you’ve been charged with a more serious traffic offense, such as DUI or reckless driving, it’s imperative to seek legal advice from a criminal defense lawyer.