Traffic violations are concerned with a number of laws related to operating a motor vehicle.  This article provides a high-level description of some of the more common traffic violations and why it may be a good idea to contact a criminal defense attorney if you are issued a traffic ticket, as traffic violations are covered as a part of criminal lawin all states.

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Speeding

Speeding is when you operate a motor vehicle at a speed that is considered unsafe.  Speeding is usually when you are driving at a rate of speed that is faster than the posted maximum speed limit for the road you are on.  However, speeding can also be driving at any rate of speed that is deemed unsafe for the current road conditions.  For example, if you drive the normal posted speed limit when it is icy, raining, or perhaps there is road construction, you may be ticketed for speeding because of the unusual conditions that are present, which make the speed at which you are driving unsafe.

A closely associated ticket to speeding may be operating a motor vehicle too slowly.  On some highways where the speed limit is a relatively high rate of speed, perhaps 70 miles per hour or more, then there may be a minimum speed limit at which you are allowed to operate a motor vehicle on that highway.  The reason for a minimum speed limit is that driving too slowly may create unsafe driving conditions, as there is the expectation by the average driver that traffic will generally be moving at or close to the speed limit.

Running a Red Light

This traffic violation refers to driving a motor vehicle through an intersection with a red light or a stop sign without coming to a complete stop, or possibly in the case of a stoplight being in the intersection when the light changes from yellow to red.

Many states allow an exception to the red light rule, allowing people to turn right on a red light so long as it is safe given traffic conditions.  Likewise, some states allow people to turn left on a one-way street on a red light when this can be done safely given traffic conditions.

Driving Without a Valid Drivers License

In order to lawfully drive a motor vehicle, every state requires that you have a valid drivers license.  Your drivers license must be in good standing, not having been suspended or revoked as the result of traffic violations or for other reasons, such as it being deemed that you cannot safely operate a motor vehicle because of a medical condition.

Making an Illegal U-Turn

In general, drivers can only make a u-turn in situations where it is safe to do so.  Usually each jurisdiction will determine places where people may make a u-turn that are unsafe—whether because oncoming traffic is driving too fast, there is limited visibility, or there is too much cross traffic from adjacent streets and businesses.  Making a u-turn when it is considered unsafe or in a location where it is specific prohibition against a u-turn is posted and result in a traffic ticket.

Criminal Defense

While most of us consider traffic violations such as a speeding ticket or running a red light perhaps no more than a nuisance, these are in fact crimes.  While the majority of traffic violations are simple misdemeanors when considered on their own, they are crimes nevertheless and can result in increased insurance rates and possibly suspension of your drivers license if you have multiple violations.

If you have receive a ticket for a traffic violation, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney.  A criminal defense attorney can help you fight the ticket and possibly walk away with a clean driving record, so get help today.

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by Mark Johnston

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