Traffic Violations in Virginia
Common traffic violations vary by jurisdiction, but many are consistent across different regions. These violations can result in penalties such as fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and, in some cases, license suspension or revocation. If you were recently charged with a traffic violation, then contact a traffic attorney to help represent you.
These are just a few examples of common traffic violations.
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit is one of the most prevalent traffic violations. Penalties for speeding can vary based on how much over the limit you were driving.
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs is a dangerous violation that can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves actions that endanger others on the road, such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges, license suspension, and fines.
- Driving with a Suspended License: If your driver’s license is suspended, revoked, or expired, driving without a valid license is illegal and can lead to additional penalties.
- No Seat Belt or Child Safety Seat: Failing to use seat belts or appropriate child safety seats can result in fines and penalties.
- Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone, texting, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving is prohibited in many places.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Failing to yield when required, such as at intersections or pedestrian crosswalks, is a common traffic violation.
- Improper Lane Changes: Making unsafe lane changes without signaling or checking blind spots can lead to accidents and citations.
- Failure to Use Turn Signals: Neglecting to use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning can result in violations.
- Driving without Insurance: Operating a vehicle without the required minimum auto insurance coverage is illegal in most places.
- Illegal U-Turns: Making U-turns in areas where they are prohibited or without proper visibility can lead to violations.
- Parking Violations: This includes parking in no-parking zones, fire lanes, handicap spaces without a permit, or exceeding time limits in metered parking areas.
- Overloaded Vehicles: Driving a vehicle that exceeds weight limits or carrying loads that are not properly secured can lead to violations.
- Tailgating: Following other vehicles too closely, also known as tailgating, is a common violation and can contribute to accidents.
Keep in mind that the specific laws and penalties for these violations can vary from one jurisdiction to another. It’s essential to be aware of and comply with the traffic laws in your area to avoid violations and their associated consequences.
Montgomery Kelley & Dennett are here to help!
Have you recently committed a common traffic violation in James City County, Virginia and are need of a Traffic Attorney? At Montgomery, Kelley & Dennett we have decades of combined legal experience and will aggressively pursue your case.