The Baton Rouge traffic ticket lawyers at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown are well-versed in handling both moving violations and non-moving violations. As experienced Baton Rouge traffic ticket attorneys, we provide robust defense strategies for a wide range of traffic offenses. Whether you’ve received a moving violation ticket for speeding or reckless driving or a non-moving violation ticket for parking infractions or faulty equipment, our Baton Rouge traffic violation lawyer team is here to help. We understand how traffic violations can impact your driver’s license and overall driving record. Trust us to navigate the complexities of traffic tickets or other violations and provide the legal representation you need to address any traffic violations effectively.
One in four tickets are issued erroneously, but only 5% of drivers contest their traffic tickets.
Traffic violations may be costly, go against your driving record, and may increase your car insurance rates. If you are contesting a traffic violation, hiring a Baton Rouge traffic lawyer is in your best interest. Call us today at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with one of our traffic offense attorneys.
What is the Difference Between Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, traffic violations are classified as either moving violations or non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when a vehicle is in motion and typically involve actions that jeopardize road safety, such as speeding, running a stop sign, or drunk driving. Moving violations often result in fines, points on the driver’s license, and increased insurance premiums.
In contrast, non-moving violations occur when a motor vehicle is stationary and generally pertain to issues like parking infractions or equipment violations, such as expired vehicle registration or broken tail lights. Non-moving violations usually carry less severe penalties and do not affect the driver’s auto insurance rates.
What is a Moving Violation in Louisiana?
A moving violation in Louisiana refers to traffic offenses that occur while the vehicle is in motion. Moving violations typically involve unsafe driving actions. In Baton Rouge, moving violations usually result in ticket fines, points on the driver’s license, and in some cases, increased insurance premiums.
Is a Speeding Ticket a Moving Violation in Louisiana?
A speeding ticket is considered a moving violation in Louisiana, as it occurs while the vehicle is in motion and the driver is driving over the speed limit. Speeding tickets can lead to ticket fines, points on your driving record, and potential increases in auto insurance rates.
Contact a Baton Rouge speeding ticket lawyer to discuss your options.
Is a Seatbelt Ticket a Moving Violation in Louisiana?
A seatbelt ticket is not classified as a moving traffic violation in Louisiana. Non-moving traffic violations usually carry less severe penalties than moving violations and don’t affect auto insurance rates.
Is Running a Red Light a Moving Violation in Louisiana?
Running a red light is classified as a moving violation in Louisiana. Moving traffic violations, such as running red lights and ignoring traffic signals, can result in fines, points on your driving record, and potentially higher auto insurance premiums.
What are Examples of Moving Violations in Louisiana?
Common moving violations in Louisiana include:
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Failure to use turn signals
- Texting while driving, using a cell phone while driving, or inattentive driving
- Failure to yield
- Violating seat belt and child safety seat laws
- Driving without a valid license or driving with an expired driver’s license
- Using a vehicle to commit a crime
- Reckless driving
- Failure to pull over for a police officer
- Hit and run
- Tailgating
- Improper lane change
- Drunk driving
Do Moving Violations Affect Insurance in Louisiana?
Moving violations, like speeding, can affect car insurance rates in Louisiana. Traffic tickets for moving traffic violations often result in points being added to a person’s driving record. Auto insurance companies review driving records and may increase premiums if they see multiple moving violations, as these indicate a higher risk of claims.
What is a Non-Moving Violation in Louisiana?
A non-moving violation is a traffic violation that doesn’t necessarily involve unsafe driving of a motor vehicle. Non-moving violations are usually related to parking citations or defective vehicle equipment.
Non-Moving Violation Examples in Louisiana
Several of the most common non-moving violations include:
- Expired inspection sticker
- Expired vehicle registration
- Expired car insurance
- Parking in a “no parking” zone
- Broken taillight
- Vehicle maintenance issues
Do Non-Moving Violations Affect Insurance in Louisiana?
Non-moving violations generally do not affect auto insurance rates in Louisiana. Non-moving violations do not reflect on how a person operates a motor vehicle. As a result, car insurance companies typically do not consider non-moving violations when determining insurance premiums.
Does a Non-Moving Violation Go On Your Driving Record in Louisiana?
Non-moving violations usually do not go on your driving record in Louisiana. A non-moving violation is typically considered a minor traffic violation and isn’t indicative of your driving behavior or safety.
What Consequences Can Occur if You Receive a Citation for a Moving Violation in Baton Rouge?
If you receive a traffic ticket for a moving traffic violation in Baton Rouge, the penalty depends on the severity of the traffic violation. Here are the penalties associated with the most common moving 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 offenses.
- Hit and run: Fines ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 and up to 5 years in prison. Contact a Baton Rouge hit-and-run lawyer to discuss strategies.
- Driving with a suspended license or revoked driver’s license: Fine of up to $500 and jail time for up to 6 months. For those with commercial licenses (Class A, B, or C), the fines can be as high as $5,000, even for a speeding ticket in a personal vehicle with a CDL license. Your license suspension period will be automatically extended by one year from the date you were originally eligible to apply for a new driver’s license. Contact a Baton Rouge CDL ticket lawyer if you received a traffic ticket and hold a commercial driver’s license.
- Reckless driving: For the first offense, fines of up to $200 and imprisonment of up to 90 days. For the second and subsequent offenses, a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail. Contact a Baton Rouge reckless driving lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What Happens if You Miss Court for a Traffic Ticket in Louisiana?
If you fail to take care of any moving violation, it could result in:
- Driver’s license suspension
- Increased ticket fines
- Arrest
- Increased insurance premiums
Penalties for Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Louisiana
Non-moving violations are not reported to the Department of Licensing, so they won’t increase car insurance rates. However, there may be fines for a non-moving violation ticket in Baton Rouge, such as:
- Expired registration: A fine of less than $200.
- Expired inspection sticker: An approximate fine of $150.
- Parking violation: Exact fines vary depending on the exact location and circumstances.
When to Contact a Non-Moving or Moving Violation Lawyer in Baton Rouge
If you have committed a moving violation or non-moving traffic violation in Baton Rouge, you have a few options. You can choose to do any of the following:
- Pay the fine: This is an acceptance of guilt.
- Request a mitigation hearing: A mitigation hearing could result in a fine reduction, monthly payment plan, or community service.
- Request a contested hearing: Requesting a contested hearing 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 traffic ticket in Baton Rough. Fighting your traffic tickets with a Baton Rouge traffic ticket attorney can help you avoid a driver’s license suspension, paying high fines, needing a hardship license to drive in Louisiana, and sometimes even serving jail time. A traffic ticket attorney may even be able to get your moving violation reduced to a non-moving violation in Baton Rouge, LA.
Baton Rouge Traffic Ticket Attorney
If you’re facing serious consequences after receiving a traffic violation in Baton Rouge, you need an experienced Baton Rouge traffic ticket lawyer on your side. Our Baton Rouge traffic ticket lawyers have decades of experience helping motorists keep a clean driving record. The Baton Rouge traffic ticket attorneys at the Law Offices of Ossie Brown can help you receive the best outcome for moving and non-moving violation cases. Call our Baton Rouge office today at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation.