What is a Moving Violation in Texas?

Houston Moving Violation Attorney

Minor traffic violations on Texas interstates may appear insignificant, but if those infractions accumulate, you could face severe criminal consequences such as large fines, points on your driver’s license, and license suspension. To protect your right to drive, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What is a Texas Moving Violation?

Moving violations are any traffic offenses committed while operating a motor vehicle. These violations can range from minor infractions such as speeding or running a red light, to more serious offenses such as reckless driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Depending on the severity of the offense, moving violations can result in fines, points on your license, license suspension or revocation, and even jail time.

The penalties for moving violations vary depending on the state and jurisdiction in which they occur. In most cases, minor moving violations will result in a fine and points on your license. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or revocation. More serious violations may also include jail time and higher fines.

It is important to take all moving violations seriously as they can have serious consequences for your driving record and insurance rates. It is always best to practice safe driving habits and obey all traffic laws to avoid costly penalties and potential danger to yourself and others on the road.

A moving violation occurs whenever a law is violated by a moving vehicle. A few examples of violations would be going through a stop sign, running a red light, going over the speed limit, and driving while drunk. A non-moving violation, on the other hand, is typically related to defective equipment or parking violations.

Traffic citations and offenses are classified as violations under the Texas Transportation Code, also known as the “Rules of the Road.” Law enforcement officers issue traffic tickets based on these codified laws and regulations. Nevertheless, contrary to popular belief, a ticket does not constitute a guilty verdict, and the issuing officer does not have the final say. You get the legal right to challenge the ticket in court.

Types of Traffic Violations

When drivers fail to comply with laws that control the operation of a vehicle on the road a traffic violation may occur.

There are millions of traffic violations every year. These may include running stop signs and/or red lights, going over the speed limit, DWI, DUI, driving recklessly, etc. Traffic violations are usually issued and enforced by law enforcement and then may be processed in local branches of state courts.

Traffic Tickets and Strict Liability

Although traffic tickets may not appear to be a “big deal,” they can have serious consequences in your life. The truth is that even a simple speeding ticket, if not handled properly, can cost you more than you think.

The majority of traffic tickets are issued as “strict-liability” offenses. What this means is that liability that does not depend on actual negligence or intent to harm. So no intent was required to convict the person. The proof needed is that the person committed the said prohibited criminal act. Traffic offenses that are labeled strict-liability usually include the following:

  • Going over the speed limit
  • Failing to stop
  • Failure to yield
  • Driving a car without headlights or broken headlights
  • Overdue meters when parking
  • Turning into the wrong lane, and
  • Parking in a handicapped spot without the required validation

Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations

Moving violations and non-moving violations are two distinct types of traffic offenses that can lead to various penalties. Moving violations refer to any type of offense committed while a vehicle is in motion, such as speeding or reckless driving. Non-moving violations, on the other hand, involve offenses related to the operation or condition of a motor vehicle when it is not moving. Examples include parking illegally or having an expired registration sticker.

In most cases, a moving violation will result in harsher penalties than a non-moving violation due to the potential for a higher risk involved with driving recklessly or at dangerous speeds. It is important for drivers to understand their rights and responsibilities regarding both types of offenses so they can make informed decisions about how best to avoid committing them in the future.

Moving violations occur when a traffic law is violated by a vehicle in motion. Some examples of moving violations are speeding, running a stop sign or red light, and drunk driving. A non-moving violation, by contrast, is usually related to parking or faulty equipment.

Speeding Tickets in Texas

Typically states have two types of speeding laws:

Laws that establish specific maximum speed limits in specific situations. For example, a state may set different maximum speeds for vehicles on state highways (65 mph), residential streets (35 mph), and school zones (25 mph).

Drivers are required by law to drive at a reasonable speed under the circumstances. Even if a highway’s posted maximum speed limit is 65 mph, driving at that speed in a torrential rainstorm at night could result in a speeding ticket, because driving at that speed could be deemed unsafe due to the hazardous road and weather conditions.

All Texas traffic tickets include an “appearance date”. By law, you must “appear” on or before this date. If you do not comply, a warrant for your arrest will be issued. When you are issued a ticket, the officer will ask you to sign it. This signature does not constitute an admission of guilt, but rather a promise to the courts that you will “appear” on or before the specified date. The “appearance” will usually take place at the municipal court in the city or county where you were driving when the ticket was issued.

Although you may feel comfortable defending yourself in court for a minor traffic violation, hiring an experienced traffic violations attorney will often improve your chances of success. In addition, if you are facing serious criminal charges such as drunk driving (DUI/DWI) or reckless driving, you should consult with an experienced Texas attorney.

If you need help with any of the above-mentioned traffic violation services, contact an experienced Texas Traffic Ticket Attorney for your free consultation!

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