The California Vehicle Code contains thousands of various rules pertaining to cars. The majority of these laws are taught to you when you receive your driver’s license as a teenager, but many people forget them later.
There are 125,000 traffic penalties issued every day in the U.S. As a result, especially if you live in California, you are likely to face a traffic penalty at some point. When it comes to enforcing traffic citations and ensuring that drivers follow the rules of the road, California is one of the strictest states. Furthermore, California traffic ticket fines are among the highest in the country.
It’s critical to understand how the most common traffic offenses in California affect your life, and what you should do if you acquire one.
The following are some of the most prevalent traffic ticket reasons for infractions in California:
Speeding
One of the most prevalent traffic ticket violations and one of the most well-known traffic prohibitions is speeding. When speed limit signs are posted on every highway and the majority of roads, it’s difficult to argue that you aren’t aware of the law. “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property,” according to California Vehicle Code 22350.
Keep an eye out for speed limits modifications in construction zones, residential neighborhoods, school zones, and on major highways where city limits and steep mountain grades restrict speeds. Also, take into account that penalties will be doubled in construction zones and school zones with workers or students present and notices displayed.
Driving While Using a Cell Phone Use
In California, it is illegal to use a cellphone while driving. Drivers under the age of 18 and school bus drivers are subject to extra limitations that prohibit them from using their cellphones, even if they are using them in hands-free mode. Cell phone addiction is being investigated more and more as time goes on, but it is easy to believe that this is one of the most common traffic tickets nowadays.
A ticket can be issued if you use your cell phone while driving without using a hands-free device. Despite the fact that this is a non-moving offense with no penalty, a conviction could hinder your ability to get a better-paying position with another trucking business.
Red light or stop sign Tickets
Trying to “push through” a yellow light and make it through can result in a traffic ticket. The law dictates that you must come to a complete stop when approaching a stop sign — do not roll through. Red-light tickets are also enforced by cameras in most of California’s major cities. If you are convicted of a red-light violation, you could face a $500 fine as well as an increase in your insurance premiums of $1500-$2000 for the three years it would remain on your driving record.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a frequent behavior in California; however, it is forbidden under California Vehicle Code 21703, which prohibits following too closely. “A driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle closer than is reasonable and sensible, having due consideration for such vehicle’s speed and the traffic on, and condition of, the roadway,” it says. Tailgating is, unfortunately, a prevalent behavior that can be seen on our highways.
If you follow too closely, you could get a penalty, especially if it’s raining or the weather is bad. Vehicles subject to CVC 22406 must stay 300 feet behind the vehicle in the lane ahead. Trucks, trailer-hauling vehicles, and buses are all covered by CVC 22406. Tailgating has been shown to be a common cause of road rage.
Reckless Driving
The California Vehicle Code section 23103 defines reckless driving. “A person who drives a vehicle on a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of individuals or property is guilty of reckless driving,” according to the statute. This type of traffic ticket is a “catch-all” offense that arises when a police officer judges your driving shows a purposeful or wanton disregard for safety. Because it is wide and has a “catch-all” rule, this may be one of California’s most prevalent traffic tickets.
Please contact us at Ticket Snipers if you have any questions about California Traffic Tickets or how to defend your vehicle against speeding citations. We are available 24/7 if you’d like to chat with one of our trained consultants about speeding ticket defense.