What Is a Moving Violation in Washington State: 6 Things To Consider

Traffic Violations Can Have Serious Consequences

Washington State, like any other state in the United States, has its own set of traffic laws and regulations. It’s essential for drivers to understand these laws to ensure their safety and avoid legal consequences. One of the key aspects of traffic law is the distinction between moving and non-moving violations. These violations can have serious consequences, including points on your driving record and increased insurance premiums. In this blog post, we will explore what constitutes a moving violation in Washington state, the impact it can have on your driving record and insurance rates, and the legal assistance available for contesting and amending moving tickets.

1. Understanding Traffic Violations

Before we delve into moving violations, it’s important to have a basic understanding of traffic violations. A traffic violation, also known as a traffic infraction, occurs when a driver fails to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by law enforcement. These violations can range from speeding offenses to running red lights, and are typically classified under specific legal codes. Understanding the different types of traffic offenses is crucial when it comes to avoiding consequences and navigating the legal system.

Moving vs Non-Moving Violations

Moving violations are offenses that are committed while the vehicle is in motion. They typically involve actions that endanger the driver, passengers, or others on the road. On the other hand, non-moving violations are related to parking or equipment violations, where the vehicle is stationary. Both moving and non-moving violations can result in tickets and fines, but moving violations tend to be more serious in nature, often carrying heavier penalties.

Impact on Driving Record and Insurance Rates

Both moving and non-moving violations can have an impact on your driving record and insurance rates. Accumulating moving violations can lead to points being added to your driving record, which can result in increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies view drivers with a history of moving violations as a higher risk, thus charging them higher premiums. It’s important to note that non-moving violations, while typically less serious, can also impact insurance rates. Understanding how traffic violations can affect your driving record and insurance rates is crucial for all drivers.

2. What Is a Moving Violation?

Moving violations encompass a wide range of traffic offenses that are committed while a motor vehicle is in motion. These violations can result in a traffic ticket, which typically includes a fine and may also include points on your driving record. Understanding the definition and types of moving violations is essential for all drivers to ensure compliance with traffic laws and maintain a safe driving record.

Definition and Types of Moving Violations

A moving violation is a traffic offense that occurs when a driver commits an infraction while their vehicle is in motion. There are various types of moving violations, ranging from speeding violations to reckless driving. Speeding violations are among the most common moving violations and occur when a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. Reckless driving, on the other hand, involves driving in a manner that shows a willful disregard for the safety of others. Other types of moving violations include running red lights, stop sign violations, and failure to yield to pedestrians.

Notable Examples of Moving Violations

• Running a stop sign: Failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a moving violation.
• Exceeding the speed limit: Driving above the posted speed limit is a common moving violation.
• Running a red light: Ignoring a red traffic signal and driving through an intersection is a serious moving violation.
• Passing a school bus when its stop sign is out: Disregarding a school bus stop sign is a moving violation that prioritizes safety for children.
• Failure to yield: Failing to yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians when required is a moving violation.

How Moving Violations Count Against Your Driving Record

Moving violations are typically assigned a point value, and these points are added to your driving record when you are convicted of a moving violation. The number of points associated with each violation may vary, but repeat offenses can result in accumulating more points on your record. In Washington state, if you accrue a certain number of points within a specific time frame, your driver’s license may be suspended. It’s important to note that insurance companies take into account the number of violation convictions on your record when determining your insurance premiums. Accumulating points from moving violations can result in increased insurance rates.

3. Exploring Non-Moving Violations

While moving violations involve offenses committed while a vehicle is in motion, non-moving violations often relate to parking or equipment violations. Non-moving violations, though generally less serious, can still lead to consequences for drivers. Understanding the definition and types of non-moving violations is important to ensure compliance with traffic laws and avoid potential penalties.

Definition and Types of Non-Moving Violations

A non-moving violation is a traffic offense that does not involve a vehicle in motion. Instead, these offenses typically relate to parking violations, expired vehicle registration, or equipment violations. Types of non-moving violations include parking tickets, which are issued for illegal parking, and expired registration, which occurs when a vehicle’s registration has expired. While non-moving violations are generally considered less serious, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid potential consequences.

Notable Examples of Non-Moving Violations

• Parking tickets: Illegal parking, such as parking in a no-parking zone or blocking a fire hydrant, can result in a non-moving violation.
• Expired vehicle registration: Failing to renew your vehicle registration by the required deadline is a non-moving violation.
• Equipment violations: Issues with vehicle equipment, such as broken headlights or non-functioning turn signals, can lead to a non-moving violation.
• Failure to display a valid vehicle registration: If a driver fails to properly display a valid vehicle registration, it can result in a non-moving violation.
• Failure to fix a broken tail light: Neglecting to repair a broken tail light can also lead to a non-moving violation.

Why Non-Moving Violations Don’t Affect Your Driving Record

Non-moving violations, such as parking tickets or equipment violations, typically do not result in points being added to your driving record. These violations involve offenses that occur when a vehicle is stationary, and as a result, they do not typically impact your driving record. Additionally, non-moving violations generally do not have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. While these violations still require attention and prompt resolution, they are generally considered less serious offenses compared to moving violations.

4. The Consequences of Moving Violations

Moving violations can have serious consequences, ranging from fines and points on your driving record to the suspension of your driver’s license. It’s important to be aware of the potential legal and financial repercussions of moving violations to ensure safe and responsible driving. By understanding the consequences, drivers can take proactive steps to avoid violations and the subsequent penalties that come with them.

The Point System in Washington State

Washington state utilizes a point system to track traffic violation convictions. Each moving violation is assigned a certain number of points, which are added to a driver’s record upon conviction. The number of points associated with each violation varies, but accumulating a specific number of points within a specific time frame can lead to consequences, such as license suspension. It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the point system in Washington state and the potential impact that repeated moving violations can have on their driving privileges.

Potential License Suspension or Revocation

Accumulating a certain number of points on your driving record can result in a license suspension in Washington state. A license suspension means that your driving privileges are temporarily revoked, and you are not legally allowed to drive a motor vehicle. Depending on the severity of the violations, a license suspension may range from a few months to a year or more. It’s important to note that certain traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence, may lead to an immediate license suspension. Repeat offenses or particularly serious violations can also result in a license revocation, which is the permanent termination of your driving privileges.

Impact on Insurance Premiums

Accruing moving violations can have a significant impact on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies view drivers with a history of moving violations as a higher risk, and as a result, they often increase insurance rates for individuals with a record of traffic offenses. The number of violation convictions on your record can directly affect the cost of your car insurance. It’s important for drivers to be aware of how moving violations can impact their insurance premiums and to make safe driving a priority to avoid unnecessary expenses.

5. Legal Assistance for Moving Violations

If you have received a moving violation ticket, seeking legal assistance may be beneficial. Traffic ticket lawyers specialize in navigating the legal system and can provide guidance on how to contest or mitigate the consequences of a moving violation. They can represent you in traffic court, provide advice on your legal options, and help navigate the legal complexities of your case. If you have a court date, consider consulting an experienced traffic ticket lawyer who can provide a free consultation and assist you with your legal needs.

Contesting Questionable Moving Tickets

If you believe you have been unjustly issued a moving violation ticket, contesting it may be an option worth exploring. In many cases, consulting a traffic ticket attorney can provide valuable guidance and representation. They can help you contest questionable tickets, gather evidence, and present a strong case in traffic court. Contesting moving tickets may prevent points from being added to your driving record and can potentially result in a dismissal of the ticket. Hiring a traffic ticket lawyer who is experienced in handling moving violations can greatly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Amending Charges to Non-Moving Violations

In some cases, a traffic ticket attorney may seek to amend moving charges to non-moving violations. This can be done by negotiating with the prosecutor or traffic court judge. Amending charges to a non-moving violation can help mitigate insurance premium increases, as non-moving violations typically carry fewer consequences than moving violations. Legal representation from a skilled traffic lawyer can aid in minimizing the impact of moving violations on your driving record and insurance rates. If you are facing a moving violation charge, consider reaching out to a traffic lawyer for a free consultation to discuss your options.

6. How Can Understanding the Difference Between Moving and Non-Moving Violations Save Your Money?

Understanding the difference between moving and non-moving violations can save you money in various ways. By knowing the types of offenses that fall under each category, you can take proactive steps to avoid moving violations that carry heavier penalties, such as speeding or reckless driving. Avoiding moving violations can prevent points from being added to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums. Furthermore, understanding non-moving violations can help you avoid parking tickets or equipment violations, which also impact insurance rates.

In some cases, taking a traffic school course may be an option to remove points from your driving record, potentially reducing insurance premiums. It’s important to be aware of the requirements and eligibility criteria for traffic school options in your state.

Additionally, avoiding moving violations, license suspensions, or revocations can help you maintain a clean driving record, which is an important factor when it comes to securing affordable car insurance rates. By understanding the difference between moving and non-moving violations, you can make informed decisions on the road, avoid unnecessary penalties, and potentially save money on insurance premiums, legal fees, and other related expenses.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between moving and non-moving violations is crucial for maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding unnecessary expenses. Moving violations, such as speeding or running a red light, can result in points on your driving record and increased insurance rates. On the other hand, non-moving violations, like parking tickets or expired registration, typically do not impact your driving record or insurance premiums. By being aware of the consequences of each type of violation, you can make informed decisions on how to handle them. If you receive a questionable moving ticket, it’s important to consider contesting it or amending the charges to non-moving violations. By understanding the difference between these violations, you can save money and protect your driving record.