What’s a minor traffic offense?

Print anything with Printful



Traffic violations can be major or minor, with serious offenses like DUI and reckless driving carrying the risk of injury or property damage. Minor violations like speeding usually result in a fine or court appearance. Citations can be for moving or non-moving violations, with consequences like negative marks on driving records and higher insurance premiums. Offenders may attend road school to avoid penalties. Paying fines may erase the violation from a criminal record. It’s best to consult local traffic laws after committing a violation.

In most areas, traffic violations fall into one of two categories: major or minor. Serious or serious offenses can include driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), driving under the influence (DWI), and reckless driving. Serious violations often carry the risk of personal injury or property damage. On the other hand, common examples of a minor traffic violation include speeding and failing to yield or stop. In general, a minor traffic offense will not result in the offender being arrested or sent to jail. He usually receives a summons demanding payment of a fine, a court appearance, or both. Some consequences of being found guilty of a minor traffic violation can include negative marks on one’s driving record, as well as potentially higher auto insurance premiums.

Citations, or tickets, are usually issued for a moving violation or a non-moving violation. As the term suggests, a moving violation occurs when the vehicle is in motion. Speeding and other driving rule violations are usually among them. Restraint violations often refer to situations such as parking in a restricted area. Other examples of stopped offenses may include faulty equipment, such as broken headlights, on or inside the car, or violating a child safety restraint system or seat belt requirements.

While laws vary by jurisdiction, a person usually won’t be arrested for a minor traffic violation. The officer will issue a summons which involves paying a fine and sometimes appearing in court. You can pay the fine, essentially admitting liability, and sometimes this will be the end of your legal obligation. Otherwise, to contest the summons, the person must appear in court. Some people choose to represent themselves, while those with complicated cases might hire a lawyer to walk them through court.

You may face several possible consequences for being found guilty of a minor traffic violation. US laws vary from state to state. In some cases, the court may require the offender to attend road school and take a safe driving course. Complying with this obligation could help the driver avoid paying fines, incurring license penalties or facing increased insurance rates.

In some situations, paying the reported fines will erase the violation from the person’s criminal record. Typically, the outcome will also depend on whether the crash is the driver’s first offence. After committing a minor traffic violation, it is usually in the person’s best interest to consult the traffic laws for their place of residence, to determine the best course of action.




Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN


Skip to content