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League City Criminal Defense Lawyer / League City Traffic Violations Lawyer

League City Traffic Violations Defense Lawyer

Traffic violations in Texas can range from minor infractions to serious offenses, and the penalties associated with these violations can vary greatly. Understanding the rules of the road and the consequences for breaking them can help drivers avoid tickets, fines, and even more severe legal penalties. Given the many costs involved, before you decide to just pay that ticket, it might be wise to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to explore your options. Attorney John Reed offers a free consultation to help you evaluate your options and decide how to proceed. Contact our experienced League City traffic violations defense lawyer today.

Common Traffic Violations in Texas

  1. Compliance with Traffic Control Device (Transportation Code §544.004)
    Failure to comply with traffic signs, signals, or pavement markings can result in a ticket. Examples include running a red light or disregarding a stop sign. Violating this law can result in fines and points on your driving record.
  2. Passing Violations
    • Passing to the left of another vehicle improperly (TC §545.053)
    • Passing in a “no passing” zone (TC §545.055)
    • Unsafe passing to the right of another vehicle (TC §545.057)

Passing must be done safely and legally. Passing in unsafe conditions or in a restricted area, such as a no-passing zone, can lead to fines and increased insurance rates.

  1. Driving on Improved Shoulder (§545.058)
    Driving on the shoulder of the road is only allowed under specific circumstances, such as passing a stopped vehicle or making a right-hand turn. Improper use of the shoulder can result in a citation.
  2. Failure to Drive within a Single Lane (§545.060)
    Drivers must stay within their lane unless it is safe to change lanes. Drifting out of your lane can result in a ticket, especially if it leads to a near collision or accident.
  3. Following Too Closely (§545.062)
    Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely is dangerous and can lead to rear-end collisions. Texas law requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance, and violations can result in fines.
  4. Passing a School Bus (§545.066)
    Texas law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is displaying a stop signal or flashing lights. Passing a stopped school bus can result in hefty fines, increased insurance rates, and even a suspended license.
  5. Improper Turns and Signaling Violations
    • Improper turn at an intersection (§545.101)
    • Improper or failure to use turn signals (§545.104)
    • Failure to signal a sudden stop (§545.104)

Failing to signal or making improper turns can lead to accidents and traffic citations. These violations often occur at busy intersections and can be dangerous for pedestrians and other drivers.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving are among the most common traffic offenses. Driving at a speed unsafe for the conditions, even if under the posted limit, can result in fines and points on your license. Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic or speeding excessively, carries more severe penalties.

  • Driving at an unsafe speed (§545.351)
  • Speed limits when not otherwise posted (§545.352)
  • Reckless driving (§545.401)
  1. Failure to Yield Right of Way
    • Failure to yield at an intersection (§545.153)
    • Failure to yield to emergency vehicles (§545.156)

Failing to yield the right of way can cause serious accidents. In Texas, this includes failing to yield to emergency vehicles, which can result in steep fines and penalties.

  1. Other Common Violations
    • Transporting a child without a safety seat (§545.412)
    • Failure to wear a seat belt (§545.413)
    • Driving with obstructed view (§545.417)
    • Improper backing (§545.415)
    • Driving without lights on (§547.302)
    • Failure to display an inspection sticker (§548.602)

These violations can lead to fines and points on your driving record. Some violations, such as transporting a child without a safety seat or failing to wear a seat belt, carry additional penalties if an accident occurs.

Penalties and Consequences for Traffic Violations

Traffic violations in Texas carry a range of penalties, depending on the severity of the offense. For minor infractions, such as speeding or failure to signal, penalties typically include fines and points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. More serious violations, such as reckless driving or passing a stopped school bus, can result in larger fines, community service, or even jail time.

For many violations, insurance premiums may also increase, as traffic tickets signal to insurers that the driver may pose a higher risk. Repeat offenses can result in more severe penalties, including mandatory driver education courses, probation, or the requirement to install a vehicle ignition interlock device in cases involving reckless driving or driving under the influence.

Common Defenses for Traffic Violations

Defending against traffic violations can be challenging, but with the help of an experienced attorney, drivers may have several defenses available to them, such as:

  • Challenging the Officer’s Observation
    In some cases, it may be possible to challenge the officer’s ability to accurately observe the alleged violation, such as whether the driver actually ran a red light or improperly changed lanes.
  • Lack of Proper Signage
    If the signage or signals were missing or unclear, it may be a valid defense to claim that the driver was unaware of the applicable traffic regulation.
  • Emergency Situations
    Drivers may argue that a violation occurred due to an emergency, such as needing to avoid a collision or respond to a medical emergency.
  • Mechanical Failure
    In some cases, mechanical failures, such as brake or signal failure, may be a valid defense against traffic violations, provided that the issue was unforeseeable and the driver had taken reasonable steps to maintain the vehicle. Fixing a correctable violation can also be a way to avoid fines and penalties in some circumstances.

Contact League City Traffic Violation Defense Attorney John Reed Today

If you are facing a traffic violation, working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer like John Reed can help you protect your rights, avoid excessive penalties, and possibly have the charges reduced or dismissed. Given the many consequences of a traffic violation, it is often worthwhile to consult with an attorney to see whether it is better to pay the ticket or fight it. In League City, contact John Reed, Attorney at Law at 281-928-8228 for a free consultation.

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