Traffic Violations: Your Rights and Responsibilities

Written by Mary Salatino | Edited by Michael Purser

Receiving a traffic ticket can ruin your whole day. This can include citations such as a speeding ticket, red-light camera notice, parking citation and more.

Learn what traffic violations really mean, what your ticket is telling you and how to handle the consequences. You’ll also learn about your legal rights, your options for reducing the impact and how defensive driving courses might help you — including saving money and preventing points on your license.

What Is a Traffic Violation?

A driver may be cited for any behavior that breaks the rules of the road. These traffic laws are in place to keep everyone safe.

Some violations happen while your car is moving — others don’t. The moving kind are more serious. That includes actions such as speeding, running a red light, blowing through a stop sign or checking your phone behind the wheel. These can lead to points on your license and might bump up your insurance rates, too.

A non-moving violation is exactly what it sounds like — a violation that takes place when the car is stopped. Think parking in a no-parking zone, having expired registration or a broken taillight. Unlike moving violations, these wrongdoings typically don’t affect your premiums or add points to your record.

Knowing the differences between these categories can help protect your driving record and prevent fines.

Types of Traffic Citations

Getting a ticket can be frustrating. Whether it’s your first one or this has happened before, it hits you — fast. You might feel annoyed. Nervous. Maybe both.

Not all citations carry the same weight, though. Some are simple fixes. Others can ruin your record or even cost you your license. Here’s a bit about the three main citation categories:

Term	Definition	Possible Consequences
Infractions	A minor traffic violation, like going a few miles over the speed limit, missing a stop sign or parking illegally.	Usually results in a fine, points on your license or both. Rarely involves traffic court or anything criminal.
Misdemeanors	A more serious offense such as driving without a license, reckless driving or a first-time DUI.	May require a court appearance. Penalties can include higher fines, probation, license suspension or jail.
Felonies	The most serious type of traffic violation, often involving repeat offenses or incidents that cause serious injury or death. Examples include multiple DUI’s or hit-and-run crashes involving injury.	Can lead to prison time, a revoked license and a felony record.

Another important detail is civil vs. criminal citations. Civil citations are handled outside of criminal court. They’re mostly about completing a fine payment and maybe dealing with points on your license.

Criminal citations, on the other hand, mean the state considers your driving behavior dangerous enough to take you to court. Fines are still common, but a prison sentence may also be on the table.

What Happens When You Get a Ticket

Before you panic or toss the ticket in your glove compartment and forget about it, it’s important to know what it means and what to do next. Make sure to keep a record of your citation number. You’ll need it to pay the fine, check the status of your case online or contest the ticket. Most tickets include a few key pieces of information:

The violation code (which law you broke)
The fine amount
A deadline to respond or pay
Instructions for how to pay a citation, contest the charges or appear in court

Missing the deadline can lead to late fees, a suspended license or even a warrant in more serious cases. The best move? Read it carefully, understand your rights and decide how you want to respond.

Your Legal Rights

Getting a ticket doesn’t mean you’ve already lost. It just means the process is starting. You have a lot more options than you might think!

Here’s what you’re allowed to do:

Argue the ticket — You’re not locked into paying anything just yet. Ask for a hearing and tell your side of the story. It’s your right.
Exercise due process — That includes showing evidence, providing witnesses and, if you choose, defending yourself.
Bring a lawyer — If it’s serious (like a DUI), you don’t have to stand alone. Hire an attorney or ask the court for help if you can’t afford one.
Get clear information — The law can’t punish you without informing you of the rule you supposedly broke. That includes the code, the charge and what it means.
Remain silent — If an officer starts asking questions, you’re allowed to stay quiet. Just state that you’re using your right to remain silent.

A citation might seem small, but the ripple effects can grow fast. Understanding your rights is the first move in protecting yourself.

Defensive Driving Courses and Point Reduction

Taking a defensive driving course is a great way to turn your ticket into a second chance. These focused courses teach safer driving habits, can reduce or even remove points from your license and, in some cases, provide ticket dismissal if approved by the court.

On top of that, many insurance providers offer discounts for completing a course, even if you’ve never been cited before. While not every violation qualifies, it’s a smart, cost-smart way to protect your record and become a more capable driver.

Ready for a Fresh Start?

SafeMotorist’s state-approved defensive driving programs make it easy to reduce points, dismiss tickets (where eligible) and even save on your insurance. Courses are available 100% online, self-paced and designed to help you get back on the road.