Types Of Traffic Tickets: Speeding, Traffic Violations (2025)

Two Main Types of Traffic Tickets: Moving and Non-Moving Violations

Although there are many types of traffic violations, they generally fall into two categories: moving violations and non-moving violations.

Moving Violations

As the name suggests, moving violations are offenses that happen when your car is in motion. These are some examples:

• Speeding
• DUI
• Running a red light
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane change
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Reckless driving

Because moving violations pose more of a risk to others than non-moving violations, they often come with stiffer penalties. It’s important to note that while serious offenses like DUI and reckless driving are classed as moving violations, they often result in arrests instead of traffic tickets.

Moving violations — even relatively minor ones, such as driving with historic tags outside permitted use - will often impact your insurance premiums because they indicate you may be a risky driver for insurance companies to cover. For instance, if you’ve ever gotten a speeding ticket, you may have noticed your average car insurance cost per month increased shortly after.

Non-Moving Violations

Non-moving violations are considered to be traffic tickets. However, they are issued for vehicle-related offenses that happen when you’re not driving. These are some common examples:

• Illegal modifications (like loud exhaust systems or underglow lighting)
• Having an expired or no registration at all
• Parking violations
• Condition issues (like broken taillights)
• Failing to properly display your license plate or address a plate light issue
• Too-dark window tint

Most of the time, non-moving violations will not impact your insurance premiums. However, this is not a given. If you accumulate many non-moving violations in a short span of time or fail to pay any tickets you receive, your insurer may decide it needs to increase your premiums.

Traffic Infractions, Misdemeanors and Felonies

Most states classify violations of traffic laws as infractions, which fall below misdemeanors and felonies. Infractions are usually punishable by a fine, but not jail time.

By contrast, misdemeanors can mean up to one year in jail, while felonies can lead to at least one year in prison. Thus, the difference between a misdemeanor vs. felony depends primarily on the possible term of imprisonment.

Common Types of Traffic Tickets

If you’ve just received a type of ticket you’ve never gotten before, you might not know what to expect. Here’s a look at some common traffic ticket examples.

Speeding

Speeding is a factor in countless accidents every year. The faster you’re going, the less time you have to react to potential hazards. Many jurisdictions have a few types of speeding tickets, including those issued by traffic cameras, with higher penalties going to drivers who go many miles over the speed limit.

Some tickets come from traditional stops, while others may result from automated enforcement, often referred to as speed traps, which are subject to varying laws depending on the state.

Speeding tickets can be as low as $25 or as high as $1,000. A ticket will cause an average insurance increase of 22%. You also might wonder — how long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? That depends on the state, but a speeding ticket may remain on your driver’s license for 3-11 years.

In some states, you may be eligible to attend traffic school to avoid points on your license or keep the violation off your record, but availability depends on the nature of the offense and your driving history.

Leaving the Scene of the Accident

Leaving the scene of an accident (also known as “hit and run”) can result in anything from a ticket to a felony charge. For instance, if you lightly bump a car in a parking lot and don’t stop to leave your contact information, you will likely receive a ticket.

Leaving the scene of an accident with injuries or major property damage is more likely to result in criminal charges. In many states, leaving the scene of an accident where there is a serious injury or death is a felony offense.

To reduce your risk of getting a ticket for leaving the scene, make sure you understand your state’s laws for what to do after a crash. If you hit a parked car or other stationary property (like a fence or a mailbox), most states require you to make a reasonable effort to locate the owner.

If you can’t make contact with the owner, you’re usually required to leave a note with your name, contact information and insurance information. If you don't, you might be ticketed for a hit and run.

Running a Red Light or Stop Sign

Running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign might not sound like a serious problem. However, some research estimates that about 20% of car accidents each year are caused by drivers failing to obey road signs and traffic lights.

If you’re ticketed for failing to obey a traffic signal, you may have several points added to your license. These tickets can be anywhere from $50 to $500, and the average insurance premium increase is 21%.

Texting While Driving

Driving while distracted is never safe, and texting is one of the most dangerous distractions of all. Not all states have a specific ticket for texting behind the wheel. However, as more states begin to recognize the hazards of texting and driving, these tickets are becoming increasingly common.

If you receive a ticket for texting and driving, you might be stuck with a fine of $20 to $250. Your insurance premiums will also likely increase — the average increase is 21%.

Additional Common Traffic Violations

The following traffic violations are also common in most states:

• Following too closely, informally called “tailgating”
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Changing lanes improperly

These actions violate traffic laws and are some of the leading causes of traffic accidents.

Penalties for Traffic Tickets

The penalties for traffic infractions are set by law. Some states have a uniform fine schedule. As a result, drivers can face the same penalties, regardless of the city or county where the violation occurred. For example, Maine uses a fine schedule that applies statewide.

By contrast, other states set maximum fines and allow counties to charge any fine below that amount. For example, Texas gives counties the power to set traffic fines. This means that fines in Harris County can differ from fines in Bexar County.

State Point Systems and License Suspension

Most states will add points to your driving record for moving violations. When you reach a certain number of points in a specific time period, your state’s driver’s license division may automatically suspend your license. A state might suspend the licenses of drivers who receive 10 points in two years, for instance.

Importantly, most states use a system where dangerous violations are worth more points than minor violations. Under this system, speeding more than 30 mph over the speed limit might result in double points compared to speeding less than 30 mph over the speed limit.

Misdemeanor and Felony Traffic Offenses

Although most traffic offenses are classified as infractions with no threat of jail time, some serious offenses may be elevated to misdemeanors or felonies. State laws vary when it comes to the offenses and offense levels that might qualify for imprisonment. However, the following traffic offenses may carry jail or prison sentences in some jurisdictions:

• DUI
• Aggravated DUI
• Reckless driving
• Vehicular homicide
• Vehicular assault

A hit and run usually falls under this category as well, no matter the state.

In these cases, a driver’s sentence might involve penalties such as:

• Fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Imprisonment
• Restitution to victims
• Mandatory drug or alcohol evaluation

Rather than issuing a traffic ticket, a police officer can arrest and transport to jail anyone who commits a misdemeanor or felony traffic offense.

Have You Received a Traffic Ticket?

Even if you’re only facing a very mild offense, getting a traffic ticket can be a nerve-racking experience. In some instances, you might choose to pay the fine and move on.

However, if you think the ticket was wrongly issued to you or if it will have a serious effect on your driver's license, it may be worth challenging it. The best way to do this is to consult with a skilled traffic lawyer. The right attorney can review your situation and help you decide whether fighting it is the best course of action.

If you’re not sure how to find an attorney, don’t worry — that’s why we’re here. ConsumerShield is dedicated to matching people in need of legal services with qualified, local attorneys. Fill out our contact form below to get started.