California Ranked 5th Most Strict State for Traffic Infractions
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Suppose you are driving in the state of California and you are going with the flow of traffic. Then you see flashing lights behind you and the cop hands you a speeding ticket. You find this unfair when every car around you was going just as fast. However, what you should know is California is ranked 5th most strict state for traffic infractions. And over 4 million traffic tickets are given out each year in California. So, it is essential to know your options if you receive traffic Infractions in California.
Traffic Offenses
There are different types of traffic violations, and it distinguishes the nature of the offense. Driving-related offenses are severe and are generally classified into two major types.
Infractions – Traffic infraction also called ‘violations or civil infractions are the majority of driving-related offenses.
Misdemeanors – This offense is much more serious than an infraction. Someone will get a misdemeanor if they are excessively speeding or driving under the influence.
Types of Traffic Infractions
Traffic infractions are split into two categories – moving and non-moving violations. Moving violations are when a driver breaks the law while operating a vehicle.
Examples of Moving Traffic Infractions:
● Speeding
● Failing to stop or yield
● Running a red light
● Failing to signal
● Not wearing a seat belt
Non-moving violations are when a vehicle is in park. This includes illegal parking in a handicapped spot or expired meter.
Top 10 Strictest States for Traffic Infractions
Credit app WalletHub compiled data from all 50 states and with guidance from a panel of traffic safety experts, ranked the “Strictest States on Speeding and Reckless Driving.” California was rated 5th in the list behind New Mexico (T-3), Arizona (T-3), Colorado (2) and Delaware (1). Using a weighted point approach, Wallethub’s reports on each state’s speeding enforcement ranking based on various criteria including:
- “Miles per hour over the limit” i.e. what is considered reckless driving when overage speeds cross a specific threshold
- Type of speed limit (absolute or prima facie)
- Average increase in cost of insurance after one speeding ticket
- Laws in place prohibiting racing on highway
- Does the state use automatic speed cameras
- Additional penalties for aggressive driving
- How much do speeding tickets count toward a suspension
Reckless Driving Ranking Criteria:
- Mandatory license suspension
- Minimum jail time
- Maximum fine
Each state is scored on these criteria and then rated.
Here’s a list of the top 10 US states react to speeding and reckless driving from the most strict to the most lenient.
1. Delaware
2. Colorado
3. Arizona
4. New Mexico
5. California
6. Oregon
7. North Carolina
8. Illinois
9. Virginia
10. Alabama
Why are California Traffic Infractions so Expensive:
According to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCS)’s reports, the government has turned up a $100 stoplight ticket into one that costs $490. The result is that California becomes the highest traffic and infraction ticket prices in America, which are the most expensive fees in the country.
California isn’t only expensive in traffic infractions, but it is also costly in housing, gasoline, electricity, water, and taxes are among the very highest in the nation. Why would a ticket be any different?
Does a Traffic infraction Affect Insurance
Have you just been fined for speeding and want to know if there will also be an impact on your car insurance premium? The answer is “yes”. Unfortunately, traffic tickets can have a significant effect on your insurance. If you are high risk, or you have several tickets on your record, then the insurance companies will start to charge higher or cancel your premium. If you have traffic infractions on your record then insurance will believe you are high risk and a bigger liability.
Are you confused about how your insurance company gets to know about your driving history or offense? Insurance companies have access to your driving record. So, if you have committed any offense then your insurance company will immediately know about it.
How to Fight California Traffic Tickets
If you get a traffic ticket, instead of getting worried or angry at the officer for pulling you over, know that there is an easy way to fight traffic tickets in California. It is called trial by written declaration. It is a legal method which provides you with the opportunity to contest your case in the court of law without even appearing before the court. This is also a real court trial but just in written form instead of in person. This will save you time and money. The trial by written declaration process is the best way to fight a traffic ticket in California.
How can GetDismissed help you?
GetDismissed has helped tens of thousands of California drivers fight their traffic tickets using this legal method – trial by written declaration. Our system is easy to follow and will fill out the documents you need. Simply, photograph your ticket and drivers’ license and tell us about what happened. As soon as we build your defense, just download your defense package and send the documents to the court.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Steve has been leading the fight against traffic tickets for over 22 years and is the CEO/President of GetDismissed, a service that empowers California drivers with traffic tickets to fight back without going to court. As a thought leader and business entrepreneur, Steve has also been featured on TV, Radio, Print, and Online as a traffic ticket expert talking about such subjects as distracted driving, contesting traffic tickets, traffic ticket myths, traffic ticket tips, traffic law, and more. Steve is a published author, releasing his first book in 2011, and now has four books regarding fighting traffic tickets which can be found on Amazon. Read More…
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Provide info through guided questions.
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What Types of Tickets Do We Help With?
GetDismissed produces results in fighting all kinds of tickets. Unfortunately, this list does not include exhibition of speed citations. Your best bet in fighting one of these infractions, is to contact an attorney. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf to try and reduce fines, or even to reduce the charges to a lesser infraction which could possibly qualify for traffic school.
We do however, contest infractions revolving around speeding, red lights, red light cameras, cell phones, signs (primarily stop signs), carpool violations, U-turns, out of lane violations, and commercial violations. If you receive a citation and have questions, contact us today.