How To Avoid the Most Common Traffic Violations
Drive Within the Speed Limit
I know this sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many clients our firm represents for speeding violations. Speeding is by far one of the most common tickets we defend against. Speeding violations come in various forms, including aggravated and non-aggravated speeding, as well as basic petty speeding citations. You can read our other blog post for more details on aggravated speeding tickets.
Regardless of classification, these traffic violations can result in license suspensions and increased insurance rates. Our advice to avoid these citations is simple—just drive within the speed limit. Even going just 5-10 mph over the limit puts you in violation of the law and can result in a citation. In fact, although rare, a driver can technically receive a ticket for speeding even 1 mph over the limit. Speeding is dangerous and puts you, as well as others around you, at risk. Additionally, drivers that are caught driving excessively fast, may also be cited for Reckless Driving, which is a misdemeanor offense.
Getting caught speeding in what is classified as an “Urban District” can be even more problematic. Urban districts are areas within a city that have a high density of buildings, businesses, and population. By law, a driver cited for speeding in an Urban District is not eligible for court supervision, meaning harsher penalties may apply. For those facing speeding citations, consulting a traffic violation lawyer can help navigate potential defenses and minimize the impact on a driving record.
Always Practice Attentive Driving & Avoid Distracted Driving
Beyond speeding, one of the most common citations results from rear-end collisions and other accidents. These incidents occur for various reasons, including sudden stops or adverse weather conditions, but such factors do not serve as legal defenses generally. In most cases, the at-fault driver will receive a Failure to Reduce Speed citation, a moving violation that can impact both driving records and insurance rates.
To avoid such violations, drivers should maintain a safe following distance and remain alert to road conditions. Sudden changes in traffic flow can occur within seconds, requiring quick reactions to prevent collisions.
Traffic control devices should always be obeyed—turning on red when prohibited, failing to stop at yellow lights, or rolling through stop signs can all lead to citations. Additionally, when changing lanes, checking blind spots and using turn signals before merging is essential for safe driving.
These precautions are particularly important for CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holders, who are subject to stricter traffic laws. Certain traffic offenses can disqualify a CDL and accumulating two qualifying offenses within three years results is a mandatory 60-day disqualification. Examples of disqualifying offenses include Improper Lane Usage and Following Too Closely.
Distracted driving remains another frequent traffic violation. Texting or using a cell phone while driving is a moving violation that can impact a driver’s record. If distracted driving results in an accident, criminal charges—such as a felony—may apply. To prevent these violations, drivers should utilize hands-free devices and set up navigation systems before beginning their journey
If Involved in an Accident – Stop, Exchange Information, and Report It
A lot of drivers have come to our firm for representation on a “Leaving the Scene of an Accident” ticket. These tickets are issued when a driver departs from an accident site without fulfilling legal obligations. Illinois law mandates that drivers stop and exchange information after a collision. Additionally, certain accidents require mandatory reporting to law enforcement.
Failing to comply with these laws can lead to a misdemeanor charge for Leaving the Scene of an Accident, which is also a moving violation that significantly affects a driving record. To avoid legal repercussions, drivers should remain at the scene, exchange the required information, and notify authorities as necessary.
Make Sure Your Insurance Doesn’t Lapse
Receiving a No Insurance citation can have serious consequences. A conviction for driving without insurance results in a license suspension. Even when court supervision is granted, compliance with SR-22 insurance is often required. This system allows the state to monitor ongoing insurance coverage, frequently at a higher cost to the driver.
Typically, a no insurance ticket can only be dismissed if valid coverage existed at the time of the stop but was not readily available as proof. However, drivers who have recently received court supervision for a No Insurance violation may not be eligible for supervision again.
To prevent these complications, it is essential to ensure continuous insurance coverage and avoid lapses that could lead to unnecessary legal trouble and financial burdens.
We Are Traffic Law Experts – Contact Us for Any Questions You Have!
We represent driver cited with all forms of traffic violations. You can reach us directly by leaving us a message by clicking HERE.