An Overview of Traffic Violations in Maryland

Nobody anticipates being pulled over by the police and receiving a traffic citation, but it happens to the best of us. We’re just driving around town trying to get to work, return home, or run some errands, and bad luck strikes. We may have driven a little over the speed limit, not waited for the signal light to turn green, or left the car in a ‘no parking zone’ for a couple of minutes. The mentioned deeds may not sound like a big deal, but they defy the Maryland traffic law and they are prohibited for a reason. Traffic violations are the cause of many auto accidents and they create problems for our community.

Types of Traffic Violations

There are many different kinds of traffic violations; some are more common, but less incriminating than others. Frequent violations that are often unintentional and essentially harmless are called ‘traffic infractions’. Violations that pose a threat to life and/or property are referred to as ‘traffic offenses’. When a person is charged with an infraction, they are not considered as an alleged criminal or sentenced to a harsh punishment. However, they are required to pay for the violation in the form of a small fine. Traffic infractions can only be problematic if you committed too many and haven’t paid your dues past the deadline; your auto insurance rates may increase in the aftermath.

When a traffic violation is potentially dangerous or has instigated harm, it becomes an offense that is further classified as a misdemeanor or felony. Conviction for a misdemeanor or felony goes to your permanent record, which is why you should hire Criminal Defense Attorney Upper Marlboro, MD, to beat the charges. Legal penalties for traffic offenses include hefty fines, probation, driver’s license suspension, confinement, community service, and enrollment in a corrective program.

Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions can be considered minor violations that earn you a ticket and are reflected upon your driving record. Traffic infractions are distinguished by dividing them into three separate classes:

1. Moving Violations

Examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Driving very slow
• Not stopping at a red light
• Verbally abusing people on the way
• Obstructing an ambulance
• Moving past a stop sign or barricade
• Driving in the wrong direction
• Lane weaving
• Wrong turn
• Disregarding the right of way

2.  Non-Moving Violations

Examples of non-moving violation include:

• Wrongfully parking in a space reserved for a handicap or someone else
• Parking where it is not allowed and clearly indicated
• Parking in a way that blocks a sidewalk or entryway
• Parking behind an already parked car (Double Parking)
• Parking beside a broken meter

3.  Vehicular Violations

These infractions have to do with poor vehicle maintenance. Examples include:

• Missing license plate
• Head lights, tail lights, and/or indicators that don’t work
• Defective silencer (noisy vehicle)
• Damaged windshield

Traffic Offenses

Traffic offenses are a serious matter because they are equivalent of committing a crime. Nature of liability in these kinds of traffic violations depends upon the extent of exposure to harm, and sometimes frequency of occurrence.

1. Traffic Misdemeanors

Traffic violations that may lead to misdemeanor charges include:

• First time DUI (simple DUI offense)
• Driving without a valid license
• Speeding in a school zone

2. Traffic Felonies

Traffic violations that may lead to felony charges include:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Repeat DUI
• Aggravated DUI (such as drunk driving with a minor passenger)
• Hit & Run
• Traffic violation resulting in harm to life and property

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Finance/22448-An-Overview-of-Traffic-Violations-in-Maryland.html