Traffic Violations in Connecticut

 Posted on September 04, 2017 in Traffic Violations

In Connecticut, law enforcement officers issue tickets to drivers who have committed either an infraction or a violation. While infractions are not considered crimes and only require that drivers pay a fine, violations are more serious and may involve a court appearance. Traffic tickets appear on a person’s driving history and in some cases may also add points to a driver’s license, which in turn can cause his or her insurance premiums to increase. Retaining an experienced Fairfield traffic ticket attorney can help drivers avoid these consequences, so if you were pulled over and ticketed for violating a traffic law, do not hesitate to contact a member of our legal team today.

Infractions vs. Violations

Most traffic tickets are issued for infractions, which include citations for non-dangerous moving violations, such as a broken taillight. These offenses are relatively minor, do not result in the assessment of points on a person’s license, and usually only require the payment of a fine via the mail, although drivers can attempt to have their infraction dismissed by attending a hearing or submitting a letter of explanation to the court. Failing to pay a fine on time or to respond or appear in court, however, can result in more severe consequences. In these cases, the court will find that the driver committed the infraction and require him or her to pay the fine and an additional default penalty. If a driver fails to pay these penalties, his or her driving privileges could be suspended.

Certain traffic offenses, known as violations generally involve more serious actions, including those that:

• Cause injury to someone else’s person or property; or
• Create a threat of injury to another’s person or property.

The most common traffic violations for which citations are issued include:

• Using an electronic device while driving;
• Speeding;
• Driving recklessly;
• Running a stop sign or red light, or otherwise ignoring a traffic signal;
• Failing to yield to another vehicle;
• Making an improper turn;
• Failing to signal;
• Passing improperly;
• Failing to wear a seat belt;
• Driving without a license or registration; and
• Failing to yield to pedestrians.

The severity of the penalties assessed for traffic violations depends on a number of different factors. For example, the fines charged for speeding will depend on how many miles over the speed limit the person was driving when he or she was pulled over. Where the violation allegedly occurred can also play a role in the severity of the penalties faced by a driver. Speeding in a school or construction zone, for instance, usually results in a higher fine. Repeat offenders may also face suspension of their driver’s licenses, as can those who are convicted of a traffic violation while driving a commercial vehicle. To ensure that you stand the best chance of avoiding these types of serious penalties, you should consider speaking with an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible after receiving a citation.

Schedule a Free One-on-One Meeting With a Fairfield Traffic Ticket Attorney Today

If you were recently issued a citation for a traffic infraction or violation and have questions about what you should do next, please contact the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner to speak with an experienced Fairfield County traffic ticket attorney about your options. We are eager to assist you throughout each step of your case.

Source:

https://www.jud.ct.gov/webforms/forms/INFRACTIONS.pdf