A uniform traffic ticket is a piece of paper that is issued to a driver accused of violating the laws that govern the road. These traffic citations may be for civil infractions that are noncriminal unless otherwise stated. However, while a person may get a uniform ticket for a minor offense, it can still result in a hefty fine, license suspension, or higher insurance premiums. These tickets are regarded as the same as traffic tickets. However, lawyers and those in the judiciary system are more likely to refer to them by their official name—a uniform traffic ticket.
Are There Different Types of Uniform Traffic Tickets?
As a licensed driver, it may be good for you to not only know what a uniform traffic ticket is, but the different types of uniform traffic tickets and the actions that can provoke their issuance. Here in Pennsylvania, PA Vehicle Code (Title 75) summarizes our vehicle laws and regulations. Chapter 33 of Title 75 covers the rules of the road in general.
While each state has unique traffic regulations, they do share a few similarities. Fundamentally, the type of traffic violation you commit determines the type of uniform traffic ticket you receive. You may receive a uniform traffic ticket for:
- Strict liability offenses: These include speeding, making an illegal U-turn, parking in a handicap area without authorization, driving a vehicle without functioning headlights or taillights, and exhausting the time on a parking meter.
- Moving violations: These offenses occur when the car is in motion and include speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, failing to yield to pedestrians or other motorists, running a red light or stop sign, and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- Non-moving violations: These offenses occur when the car is not moving and include parking too close or in front of a fire hydrant, leaving your car in a no-parking zone, parking by an expired meter, and illegal modifications to your vehicle.
Your Options After Receiving Uniform Traffic Ticket
There are three things you can do after being issued a uniform traffic ticket:
Pay the Fine
If you decide to pay the fine and accept the penalties because it makes sense for your situation, you may be faced with increased insurance rates and a record on your driving license, which may stay on your record for up to three years. In some cases, you may be required to attend a traffic course in addition to (or instead of) paying a fine.
Fight the Charges
On the other hand, you may contest the uniform traffic ticket and have your day in court. Taking this route requires building a defense strategy to attempt to convince the judge why you should not have been ticketed in the first place. You may also need to write a Letter of Dispute to the court and await your Letter of Hearing for the time and date of your traffic court hearing. Other vital actions include investigating the accident, gathering evidence, researching the speed equipment used to clock your speed, cross-examining the ticketing police officer when necessary, and inviting witnesses to testify on your behalf.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you think that representing yourself may be too stressful or could jeopardize your case in any way, you have the option to hire a lawyer to fight on your behalf. Due to their in-depth understanding of the legal system and traffic court, you may be more likely to have your case dismissed or result in a fair outcome. While it is unfortunate, judges and prosecutors tend to have little patience for defendants who are oblivious to legal terminologies and court proceedings. So, you may prefer to hire a lawyer to dispute your uniform traffic ticket for you.
We Can Help Fight Your Uniform Traffic Ticket
Do you live in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, or its surrounding regions? Did you receive a uniform traffic ticket for a strict liability offense, a moving violation, or a non-moving violation? McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., may be able to help you fight the charges. As a former criminal prosecutor, our lawyer has a unique understanding of traffic crimes and knows all the tactics used by the prosecution in the courtroom. As a client, you will receive unprecedented access to your lawyer via phone, email, social media, and texting to discuss your concerns and receive updates. To learn more about our defense strategies, call McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. today at (610) 680-7842 to discuss your case with a member of our team.
