Traffic tickets can be a reminder to follow the rules of the road, but in Washington, traffic violations can also be expensive. Traffic laws are designed to keep everyone safe, so imposing fees and penalties for violating the rules make sense. Find out more about the most common traffic violations in Washington and how to avoid them.
Learn the Right Way
Understanding the most common traffic tickets can help you drive more safely and avoid the fines and penalties that come with a violation. Another way to prevent traffic violations is to enroll in driving school. If you are a parent, you may want to consider a teen driver’s education program for your child. Learning more about laws and how to drive a vehicle properly can help you stay safe and avoid tickets.
Moving Vs. Nonmoving Violations
Traffic violations are defined as moving or nonmoving. Generally, a moving violation is more dangerous and will incur a larger fine and more severe consequences. Moving violations may stay on your record longer and typically cause your insurance to go up. Repeat offenders with numerous moving violations may end up losing their license.
Driving Too Fast
Speeding is the most common traffic ticket in Washington. Driving too fast is dangerous, but it is also a moving violation. The fee that comes with a guilty decision is based on the speed limit and just how much over that limit you were driving, but a speeding ticket in Washington is usually between $100 and $400.
Illegally Driving in the Carpool Lane
Carpool or HOV lanes were introduced to encourage people to drive together and reduce the number of cars on the road. Fewer cars work out to less traffic and congestion so that people can reach their destination faster. Driving in a carpool lane without a passenger is illegal, and this moving violation can equal a fee of $186.
Negligent Driving
Negligent driving essentially means any instance in which a driver endangers themselves or others or property. Driving under the influence can be categorized as negligent driving. Each case is unique, but the fees for a negligent driving violation can be in the thousands, and in some instances, it can be considered a criminal offense.
Drive Safe
Understanding the danger and penalties of traffic violations can be an incentive to drive safely. The best way to ensure you learn the laws and how to follow them is to take a driver’s education program. Learning from a professional will allow you to master driving and stay safe while avoiding the most common traffic violations.