What are the different penalties for traffic violations?

There are two types of traffic violations, civil and criminal.

If the traffic violation is a civil citation, such as speeding, failing to stop at stop sign, or having a headlight out, the penalty is a fine.

If the violation is criminal, such as leaving the scene of an accident or driving on a suspended license, then in addition to fines, you could be placed in jail.

For both civil and criminal citations, you can have points placed on your license. If you get too many points your license can be suspended. For some criminal violations your license can be suspended regardless of the points.

If you fight a civil citation and lose, you could be assessed court costs in addition to the fine. In all criminal cases there are court costs that are assessed.

Posted in: Traffic Offenses