Driving is necessary for most employment, transporting kids to and from school, and shopping for household necessities. So it’s likely you’ve had at least one run in with law enforcement in the past due to a traffic violation. Whether that violation is a speeding ticket, seatbelt violation, parking violation, or an expired registration, it can have serious consequences in the state of Louisiana. What many people don’t realize is that a moving violation and a non-moving violation can carry different types of consequences. Below, our Baton Rouge traffic ticket lawyers delve into moving violations vs. non-moving violations.
Traffic violations may be costly, go against your driving record, and may increase your insurance premium. If you are contesting a traffic violation, hiring a traffic lawyer is in your best interest. Call us today at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
What is a Moving Traffic Violation?
Moving violations are traffic offenses committed when a vehicle is in motion. Moving violations are generally covered by state legal codes, and the definition of a moving violation differs slightly from one jurisdiction to another.
Examples of Moving Traffic Violations
Common moving violations include:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to use turn signals when required
- Texting while driving
- Failing to yield
- Violating seat belt and child safety seat laws
- Driving without a valid license
- Using a vehicle to commit a crime
- Drag racing and other reckless driving
- Failure to pull over for a police officer
- Hit and run
- Following another vehicle too closely- tailgating
- Improper lane change
What is a Non-Moving Traffic Violation?
A non-moving violation is a traffic infraction that violates the law but doesn’t necessarily involve driving a motor vehicle. These violations are usually related to parking violations or defective vehicle equipment.
Examples of Non-Moving Traffic Violations
Several of the most common non moving violations include:
- Parking in front of a fire hydrant
- Expired vehicle registration or insurance
- Lack of registration or insurance
- Parking in a “no parking” zone
- Broken taillight
- Vehicle maintenance issues
Penalties for Moving Traffic Violations in Louisiana
If you receive a traffic citation for a moving violation, you can face various penalties depending on the severity of your violation and whether you’ve had previous moving violations. Felony and misdemeanor moving violations can result in fines and/or jail time. If you fail to take care of any moving violation, it could result in:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Increased fines
- Arrest
- Increased insurance premiums
Here’s a quick break down of the fines that you could be responsible for as a result of some the most common moving traffic violations:
- Speeding: A fine of $200-$500 and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense; a $350-$1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail for subsequent offenses.
- Running a stop sign or red light: A fine of $175.
- Driving without insurance: A fine of $500 and up to 10 days in jail for the first offense; a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail for subsequent violations.
- Hit and run: Fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 and up to 5 years in prison.
- Driving with a suspended/revoked license: Fines vary by jurisdiction but could be as high as $1,000; potential jail time varies by jurisdiction.
Penalties for Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Louisiana
Non-moving violations are not reported to the Department of Licensing. However, there may be fines depending on the violation, such as:
- Expired registration: A fine of less than $200.
- Expired inspection: An approximate fine of $150.
- Parking violation: Exact fines vary depending on the exact location and circumstances.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Moving and Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Louisiana?
If you have committed a moving or non-moving traffic violation, you have a few options. You can choose to do any of the following:
- Pay the fine: This is basically an acceptance of guilt.
- Request a mitigation hearing: This could result in a fine reduction, monthly payment plan, or community service.
- Request a contested hearing: This means that you are pleading “not guilty” to a traffic violation.
Even minor traffic citations can add up, which can put you at a higher risk for driver’s license suspension and increased insurance premiums. It’s always worth your time to consult with a traffic ticket lawyer after receiving a citation. Fighting your traffic tickets with a lawyer can protect you from losing your privileges, paying high fines, and sometimes even serving jail time. A lawyer may even be able to get your moving violation reduced to non-moving violation.
Call a Baton Rouge Traffic Ticket Lawyer at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown Today
If you’re facing serious consequences after receiving a traffic violation in Louisiana, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Our traffic ticket lawyers have decades of experience helping motorists keep a clean driving record. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can help you receive the best outcome for your case. Call our Baton Rouge office today at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation.
