What Is a Speeding or Moving Violation?
Most speeding and/or moving violations are not considered criminal offenses. A speeding or moving violation may result in a fine, affect your ability to get a driver's license, or raise your car insurance rates, but it will not result in jail time or other criminal punishments in most situations. The laws for speeding and moving violations vary widely by states, counties, and cities, so be sure that you are aware of your rights and obligations. Typical Traffic Violations - Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Failing to stop or signal
- Failure to obey traffic lights
- Invalid registration sticker
- Invalid driver's license
What Should You Do if You Receive a Speeding or Moving Violation?- Your ticket typically will include a court date and time, and possibly the amount of the fine
- You may have the option of attending a driving program or traffic school. If you complete the program or school, the speeding or moving violation is removed from your record completely.
- If you want to admit you are responsible for the speeding or moving violation, then enter a plea of no contest. This means you are neither admitting your responsibility nor denying your responsibility – you are just paying your fine.
- You may just pay the amount of sanction or fine by mail or in person on or before your court date
- Typically you can call the number listed on your ticket and they will give you information as to the cost of the ticket and where to send payment
- If you want to contest the ticket, then enter a not guilty plea and request a trial:
- You are now denying that you committed the violation and you must prove that the charges against you are false at the time of your hearing or trial
- You can request a hearing or trial by mail, or by calling the number listed on your ticket
- If you choose to go to court, you may be represented by an attorney, or you may present your own case
- If you are found responsible or guilty at trial, you will be issued a penalty and this penalty may or may not be the same amount initially listed on the ticket
- If you win at trial, the speeding or moving violation will be dismissed and removed from your record.
Should You Speak to an Attorney Regarding a Speeding or Moving Violation?
If you were cited for a speeding or moving violation, you should speak to an attorney immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system. |
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