Different Types of Traffic Violations

Are you wondering what the different types of traffic violations? The state of New York, from Brooklyn to Binghamton to Buffalo, counts an abundance of major and minor actions as traffic violations. It should come as no surprise that speeding is an all too popular form of traffic violation, with the penalties increasing according to how fast a vehicle was traveling above a posted speed limit.

Different Types of Traffic Violations | Common Traffic Violations

Use of a mobile device is another widespread violation; as New York is a “hands-free state,” sending text messages or talking on a handheld cell phone while behind the wheel are prime examples of unsafe choices. Other common traffic violations according to New York law include driving or changing lanes recklessly, tailgating, failing to restrain a child passenger, refusing to yield to a pedestrian or another vehicle, and running a red light. It is important to note that driving while intoxicated or while ability impaired is a crime, not a violation, and a different set of laws control cases such as these.

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Different Types of Traffic Violations | Points on Driver’s Licenses

Some traffic violations result in the receipt of points on a driver’s license, and these points often lead to a wealth of negative consequences. The number of points depends on the type of traffic violation; for example, New York State will not assign points for improper parking, but failure to stop for a school bus will result in five points, and driving 31 to 40 miles per hour above a speed limit leads to eight points. New York drivers who regularly cross state lines will not have to worry about receiving points for traffic violations committed in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Vermont. However, because of a shared agreement with two Canadian provincial governments, drivers with New York licenses are still eligible to accrue points for violations that occur in Ontario or Quebec.

Different Types of Traffic Violations | Consequences

Having points on one’s license can lead to increases in insurance premiums, though any price increase will vary by insurance company. Drivers are obliged to pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment fee if they accrue six or more points on their licenses within a period of 18 months, and this fee can be upwards of $100 each year. According to New York law, 11 points on a license within an 18-month period can result in suspension of driving privileges.

If you have been given a ticket for any of these different types of traffic violations, please call our Jamestown traffic lawyer Scott Humble today for a free consultation.