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.
- Traffic Ticket Basics
An overview of infractions that often result in traffic tickets, including the difference between moving violations and non-moving violations.
- Traffic Tickets: Misdemeanor & Felony Charges
When a traffic violation becomes a more-serious felony or misdemeanor charge, such as DUI or reckless driving.
- Information Included on a Traffic Ticket
Brief primer on the type of information commonly found on a traffic ticket and its significance in traffic court.
- Traffic Ticket FAQ
Answers to common 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
The best defense to a traffic violation is to avoid getting one in the first place by following the law and being able to identify highway patrol cars.
- Traffic Ticket Point System
Explanation of the point system used to keep track of traffic violations, from speeding to felony DUI.
- State-Specific Point Systems
Links to the point systems for traffic violations in different states.
- Traffic Arrest FAQ
Answers to common questions pertaining to traffic arrests, such as proper procedures for police officers and what to tell your attorney.
- Arrest Overview
General information about the arrest process and the meaning of probable cause.
- Your Rights in the Criminal Justice System
Rights of defendants in the criminal justice system, including Miranda rights, search and seizure and right to an attorney.
- Fines, License Suspensions & Traffic School
Overview of fines, driver's license suspensions and how defensive driving school can keep your driving record clean.
- Driver's License Penalties FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about license suspension, revocation and related matters.
- Are Speed Traps Legal?
- Avoiding Traffic Tickets and Staying in Line with the Law
- Driving Safety
- Misdemeanor & Felony Traffic Offenses
- Quiz: Should I Be Driving?
- Safe Driving: The Do's and Don'ts
- Speeding and Red Light Camera Tickets
- State License Points Systems
- State Traffic Camera Restrictions
- The Traffic Ticket "Points" System
- Traffic Accident Liability: FAQs
- Traffic Tickets - Basics
- Traffic Tickets FAQ
- What Kind of Information is Included on a Traffic Ticket?