Driving is a privilege that comes with responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is adhering to traffic laws. Yet, sometimes due to mistakes and sometimes due to misunderstandings, motorists may find themselves facing traffic tickets due to traffic violations.
Traffic violations encompass a wide spectrum of infractions, from minor offenses like speeding to more severe transgressions such as leaving the scene of an accident. Drivers caught committing traffic violations face various legal consequences that can include fines, license suspension or revocation, and, in severe cases, imprisonment. Understanding which traffic violations most commonly inspire tickets or criminal charges can help motorists stay on the right side of the law.
Speeding
Speeding tickets are some of the most prevalent traffic tickets because many motorists are usually inclined to exceed speed limits if they’re hurrying to their destination. In Pennsylvania, the maximum speed limit for motorists driving on freeways is 65-70 mph; exceeding this threshold constitutes a violation of the law that is met by significant fines.
Motorists should also remember that accumulating too many points on a driver’s license due to speeding can result in license suspension or revocation. Moreover, insurance companies may raise premiums for drivers with speeding tickets.
Leaving the scene of an accident
Upon being involved in an accident, drivers are legally obligated to stop their vehicles, assess the situation and report the accident to the police. Choosing to flee the scene of an accident, commonly referred to as a hit and run, constitutes a grave violation of traffic laws and ethical principles. Rather than taking responsibility for one’s actions and helping ensure the welfare of those affected, fleeing drivers compound the consequences of their actions by evading accountability.
The severity of hit-and-run charges varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Drivers may face misdemeanor charges and fines in cases involving only property damage. However, the stakes escalate to felony charges if the accident results in injuries or fatalities.
According to statistics, exceeding speed limits and leaving the scene of an accident represent some violations of traffic laws that result in motorists finding themselves on the wrong side of the law most commonly. Drivers who get arrested for traffic violations can benefit from engaging a legal professional who handles these kinds of cases regularly and has knowledge of the most effective ways forward.
