CA Traffic Tickets Information
It's very easy to get yourself into an unintentional situation on the road. Many traffic violations can be difficult to avoid due to inattention or plain carelessness. Here is a basic breakdown of the various types of traffic tickets.
Types of Traffic Tickets in California
CA traffic tickets fall under two separate classifications. They can be divided into infractions or misdemeanors/felonies.
Infractions
Infractions are not considered as crimes and usually you can get away by only paying a fine for the misdemeanor committed. You can avoid jail, a trial before a jury, or heavy fines in the case of traffic infractions. Non-moving violations and the less severe moving violations fall into the category of infractions.
Misdemeanors/Felonies
The more dangerous moving traffic violations fall into the category of misdemeanors or felonies. For a misdemeanor you will have to pay a fine or go to a county jail for a period of up to one year. For a felony you will be imprisoned in a state jail. Traffic tickets can be issued for different types of violations. Traffic violations can be divided into two categories – Moving violations and Non-moving violations. Moving violations are considered to be more serious and usually extricate higher penalties, fines and punishments than non-moving violations.
Moving Violations
Moving violations occur when the vehicle is in motion. Here are various types of moving violations in California.
Running a Red Light
If you run a red light and you're caught by an officer, you will be issued a red light traffic ticket. This ticket can be costly as this type of activity can be very dangerous to motorists.
Speeding
These CA traffic tickets are the most frequent as in an instant you can cross the desired speed limit and get a speeding ticket. There are two types of speed limits.
• Presumed speeding restriction which calls for drivers to drive at reasonable speeds under certain circumstances.
Reckless Driving
If a person's driving exhibits a disregard for others' safety, it is termed as reckless driving. It is considered to be one of the most severe traffic violations and can result in having your driver's license suspended.
DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or prescribed medication is considered to be a violation and you will be served with traffic tickets. You might even be penalized for driving a vehicle that is not in a safe condition to be in traffic. There is a certain accepted level according to DUI standards which varies from one state to another. In California, if your blood-alcohol level is .08 or higher, you are above the legal limit to drive and you will most likely be arrested and fined for a DUI.
Non-moving Violations
Non-moving violations occur when the vehicle is not in motion.
• Parking at a parking meter without paying for it.
• Parking in front of a driveway.
• Not in possession of your vehicle registration or insurance. • Faulty equipment.
• Illegal lighting on your vehicle.
• Illegal modifications.
• Parking more than 18 inches from the curb.
• Parking in a prohibited area such as parking in a handicapped zone without a handicap permit, in front of a fire hydrant or a bus stop.
• Parking longer than the permitted time.
• Parking facing the direction of the traffic.
Some traffic tickets issued in California are called 'fix-it' tickets. If you receive a ticket, the fine can be waived if you resolve the problem.
Other California Traffic Ticket Information
Types of traffic ticket fines in California
How to Pay a California traffic ticket
How to beat traffic tickets in California
- Returning Student Login:
"Every month, Thank Our Troops Traffic Schools features one of the many heroes serving our country"
Become a Hero of the Month
