Traffic Ticket Basics

Most traffic tickets (also called citations) are "infraction" level offenses, meaning they are less severe than misdemeanor or felony crimes. This includes violations such as speeding, running a red light or driving with an expired license. Infractions typically require the offender to pay a fine and do not usually show up on a criminal record, although they may affect the offender's insurance premiums. Some traffic tickets can, however, have more severe consequences. The following resources provide information about traffic violations, traffic court, traffic school, how violations add points to your driver's license, how traffic stops and arrests work, punishments for traffic violations, and more.

Learn About Traffic Ticket Basics

Traffic Ticket Basics
An overview of infractions that often result in traffic tickets. Learn about strict liability offenses, the differences between moving violations and non-moving violations, how traffic tickets are processed, and more.
Traffic Tickets: Misdemeanor & Felony Charges
While most traffic tickets are issued for minor offenses called “infractions,” certain more serious offenses are classified as “misdemeanors” or even “felonies.” Learn about misdemeanor and felony traffic offenses.
Traffic Ticket FAQ
Common questions about traffic tickets. Find answers to your questions about paying a speeding ticket, how LIDAR speed guns work, the consequences of driving on a suspended license, and related issues.

How to Avoid a Traffic Ticket
While the most effective way to avoid a traffic ticket is to drive according to the law, sometimes law abiding drivers receive tickets. This article offers a number of tips to help you avoid traffic tickets.
Traffic Ticket Point System
Each state has a point system assigning a point value to each type of traffic offenses. Too many points often results in license suspension. Learn about the types of violations that result in two, three, four, and six points.
State-Specific Point Systems
A collection of links to information on the “points” systems used in various states. Find your state’s point system to learn about the different classes of traffic violations and how points are assigned for each.

Traffic Ticket Basics Articles