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Violations
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Common
moving violations
speeding
driving too slowly
running a stop sign or red light
failure to yield
failure to signal for turns
failure to use a seat belt
talking on cell phone while driving *
failure to use a child safety seat **
*
most areas worldwide
**
in the U.S.
& Canada
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First, there's
the sudden wail of a siren and red flashing lights just behind
you ...
... there's
a traffic cop on your tail, the nightmare scenario of any motorist
anywhere in the world.
The first
rule of thumb (and easy to advise when you're not in the situation
yourself) is - DON'T PANIC. Even if you think you haven't been
speeding, or if you didn't run that red light, remain calm.
A cooperative
attitude is sure to help. This is especially true with a friendly
traffic cop, and even more so with a cop who might have had a
fight with their spouse that morning!
Otherwise,
debating the finer points of law with a police officer will almost
certainly find you in deeper trouble, and possibly lead to other
violations he or she might have been missed had you only been
courteous right from the start.
Really belligerent
drivers can find themselves headed for more serious criminal charges,
so keep negative comments to yourself, at least until you are
back on the road out of range of the officer's hearing.
And who knows?
Depending on your traffic record you may get off with just a warning.
Otherwise, if you're ticketed for an offense you're sure you did
not commit, wait for your day in court to fight it.
Points
on your license
In most US
jurisdictions, tickets for moving violations are sometimes accompanied
by "points" against your driver's license.
Amass enough
points and you may become liable for attending driving lessons,
retaking your driving test, or even surrendering your license
permanently or for a specified period of time.
Insurance
premiums will be higher for drivers with "points" on their record. These
points eventually will expire, but it will take years for your insurance costs
to return to the level that safer drivers enjoy.
More about
traffic tickets & violations around the Web:
There are
other things to know if the situation turns serious. You may become
subject to search and seizure or, worse, arrest.
Find
out more around the Web at expert sites offering tips on what to say, when to
pay, how to fight a traffic ticket in court, specific laws governing moving violations,
and advice on the possible long-term impact of the charges made against you ...
What
to Do When You Are Pulled Over by the Police - Nolo legal guide with expert
tips on what to say, advice on specific situations, how to fight a ticket in court,
information on fines & license suspensions with related guides to traffic
accidents, search, seizure, and interrogations.
LawGuru.com
Knowledge Base - Traffic Law - Pose your own question to attorneys, or
read answers to visitor posts concerning traffic and parking law, drunk driving,
drag racing, license suspension and related topics. Traffic
Tickets A - Z - Detailed information on DUI laws & reckless driving,
driving without a license or registration, illegal U-turns, mechanical violations,
running red lights & stop signs, seat belt violations and speeding, from FindLaw.com State
Traffic and Speed Laws - Comprehensive guide to all 50 U.S. states. Traffic
Violations - Encyclopedia of Everyday Law - Good overview of U.S. traffic
law with facts & information on types of traffic violations & related
penalties, including lists of states with specific penalties for drunk driving,
related links and resources.
Avoid
the costly long-term effects of a ticket - Feature story
with top ten tips for what to say and do if you're pulled over,
with focus on how to avoid making the situation worse, from MSNBC.com.
also see related article - Road
Rage? Have a Mint, Study Shows
also
see -> Auto Accidents
| Drunk Driving Laws Police
& Law Enforcement
The
information provided on these pages is intended as reference
only and does not constitute professional legal advice.
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