Top 5 Most Common Traffic Violations in California
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Millions of traffic tickets are given out each year. In fact, 125,000 traffic tickets are issued per day in the U.S. Therefore, it is likely you will have to deal with a traffic violation at some point especially if you live in California. California is one of the strictest states when it comes to enforcing traffic tickets and ensuring drivers are following the rules on the road. Additionally, California traffic ticket fines are some of the most expensive in the nation. So it is crucial to know the most common traffic violations in California, how they can impact your life and what to do if you get one.
How a Traffic Violation Impacts You
Traffic violations impact you financially. Here is why:
- The total cost of a traffic ticket is often six times the amount of the base fine. For example, the average base fine for a speeding ticket is $35. But with additional surcharges and county fees the driver will have to pay at least $230.
- Every traffic violation adds one or two points to your driving record depending on the type of traffic ticket and severity. Why do points matter? Insurance companies have access to your driving record. So when you renew insurance or choose new insurance, the company reviews your record. If an insurance company sees you have points then they will assume you are a high risk driver. As a result, you will have to pay higher premiums.
Keep in mind, California also uses this point system to keep track of drivers in order to determine if they need to suspend your license. This can take a major toll on your finances if you are unable to get to work.
5 Most Common Traffic Violations in California
Speeding
Speeding is one of the best-known traffic laws, but it is also the most common traffic violation. The California Vehicle Code outlines that drivers should always drive at a reasonable speed depending on road conditions like weather, traffic, the width of the road, and surface material of the road. Since this can be a rather subjective regulation, speed limits are determined and placed along roads to ensure everyone has the same understanding of a safe speed to travel on each road.
Cell Phone
According to the traffic laws in California, it is illegal for anyone to use a handheld electronic device such as a cell phone while they are driving. Hands-free options are still legal for some drivers, but there are restrictions placed on people under 18 and school bus drivers. Cell phone use takes focus away from the road and is a common cause of accidents.
Stop Sign
California drivers have to come to a full stop at a stop sign before proceeding. It is common for some people to merely slow down. This is typically referred to as the “California roll.”
Tailgating
Tailgating refers to following another vehicle too closely and is deemed illegal under California law. Each driver must consider the speed of the vehicle, the traffic on the road, and the condition of the road when deciding a safe distance to drive behind another vehicle. Tailgating is a common traffic violation, especially on highways.
Red Light
Red light tickets are one of the most frustrating ones especially if you didn’t realize until you receive a notice in the mail. Avoid these tickets by always stopping before the white line, not speeding up to try to get into the intersections before it turns red and keeping your eyes out for any signs warning you there are red light cameras.
Steps After Receiving a Traffic Violation
There are a few options to choose from when you receive a traffic violation:
- You have the option to plead guilty to the violation and pay the corresponding fine. Once the court receives payment for the violation, the case is closed and you do not need to take any further action. The violation will appear on your DMV record which means you will also have a point be placed on your driving record. This point will cause higher insurance premiums for the next three years.
- Another option for you is going to traffic school. If you complete traffic school then the point is hidden and your insurance rates remain low. With that said, the fine is a separate issue and will still need to be paid.
- You can also plead not guilty to the violation and appear in court in hope to convince a judge to dismiss or reduce the violation. Recognize that showing up at court does not guarantee a reduction in fine. This can be frustrating especially when you take off from work to go to court and still have to pay the entire fine.
- Last alternative is a trial by written declaration. A trial by written declaration is fighting your traffic ticket in writing instead of appearing in court. This is the best option to get a traffic ticket dismissed.
A Trial by Written Declaration
As mentioned above, a trial by written declaration is the easiest way to get a traffic ticket dismissed. One of the biggest reasons is police officers are not incentivized to fill out the paperwork required for a trial by written declaration cases. So if the police officer does not complete their documents then your traffic ticket will be thrown out. Next, the judge reviews a written defense in the privacy of their chambers instead of a busy courtroom. This means they are likely in a better mood when reviewing your case. Lastly, even if you have a defense prepared when going to court, the judge may not let you present it entirely. As with a trial by written declaration, you can mail your complete defense to the court.
GetDismissed Traffic Ticket Dismissal Services
GetDismissed has helped tens of thousands of drivers get their traffic tickets dismissed through a trial by written declaration process. We streamline the entire process to make it as simple and efficient for you as possible for you to get the defense documents you need.
- Photograph your license and ticket
- Tell us about the circumstances of the ticket
- Print your documents and send them to court
The best part of the trial by written declaration system is that if the ticket is dismissed, there will be no points on your driving record, no fine and no court. 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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Photograph your ticket & license.
*If you don’t have your ticket handy, it’s okay — you can still start the process and just add it later!
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Provide info through guided questions.
*Be sure to quickly add as many notes about the stop as you can so you don’t leave out any important details!
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Sign & send your defense to court.
*We will send you a completed packet for the court that just needs your signature and a stamp!
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.
