Statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicate that 345,832 traffic stops were made for speed violations statewide in 2019. Traffic violations in Ohio may include driving under a suspended license, speeding, running a stop sign, following too closely, making an illegal turn, distracted driving, and failure to obey railroad crossing or stop signs. Committing any of these traffic violations may result in tickets, fines, demerit points, and other penalties.
If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation, it is important to retain a knowledgeable Ohio traffic violations law firm immediately to protect your rights. At Peterson & Peterson, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing outstanding legal services and comprehensive representation for traffic violation cases. As your legal counsel, we will investigate the facts of your case, explore your legal options, and represent you in traffic court. Our attorneys can fight to help protect your rights and your driving privileges.
Peterson & Peterson is proud to serve clients across Xenia, Ohio, and the surrounding areas of Clark County, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, and Greene County.
In Ohio, traffic laws have been established to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users. Any motorist who violates a law regulating vehicle operation on Ohio roadways is adjudged to have committed a traffic violation. The following are some examples of offenses that constitute a traffic violation in Ohio:
Speeding
Reckless driving
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Running red lights
Distracted driving
Driving with a suspended or revoked license
Drag racing
Running a stop sign
Violating traffic lanes
Driving without regard for private property
Disobeying a police order
Failing to stop at a railroad crossing
Failing to obey traffic control lights
In the state of Ohio, traffic violations may be categorized into moving or non-moving violations.
A moving violation occurs when a motorist violates a traffic law while the vehicle is in motion. Common examples of moving violations include:
Speeding
Running a stop sign
Reckless driving
Failure to yield the right of way
Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence
Hit and run accidents
Improper lane changes
A non-moving violation is a traffic violation or infraction that involves a stationary motor vehicle. The common types of non-moving violations include:
Parking at an expired parking meter
Parking too close to the curb
Parking in front of a fire hydrant
Parking in a no-parking zone
Parking in front of a driveway
Driving without the necessary legal paperwork to operate a motor vehicle
Driving with expired tags
Driving with an invalid, suspended, or revoked license
Driving with no insurance
A broken headlight or taillight
Excessive muffler noise
Broken or missing mirrors
No license plate
Taped-up windows
Overly tinted windows
Moving violations put pedestrians, other motorists, and road users at risk. Therefore, they often carry harsher penalties than non-moving violations.
A person who violates a traffic law in Ohio may receive a fine, traffic ticket, or other punishments. Ohio’s “point system” determines the penalties in various traffic violations.
Depending on the severity of the traffic offense, different point values may be added to your driving record.
Two-Point Violations: Two points will be added to your driving record for committing most moving violations and speed-related offenses, including speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper passing, improper turn, and failure to yield.
Four-point violations: Four points will be added to your driving record for committing traffic violations such as reckless operation, underage OVI, and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Six-Point Violations: Six points will be added to your driving record for committing any of the following traffic violations — drunk driving, drag racing, driving under suspended or revoked license, vehicular homicide, and vehicular assault.
All points are closely monitored by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you have six points or more within two years, you will receive a warning letter. Your driver's license will be suspended or revoked if you have 12 points or more within two years.
Fines of up to $1,000
Up to six months in jail
500 hours maximum community service
License suspension or revocation
Increased insurance rates
Fighting traffic violations is crucial to get the judge to reduce your fine, avoid more serious punishment, or ultimately beat the ticket. To fight a traffic violation, you can:
Challenge the officer's account of what actually happened
Establish that the conduct was a mistake of fact
Refute the allegations or evidence against you
Show that your actions were lawfully justified
Prove that your conduct was required to avoid harm
Fighting your fines, tickets, or other traffic violations by yourself could leave you vulnerable to receive the maximum punishment. With demerit point values on your driving record, if convicted, you may lose your driving privileges, have increased auto insurance rates, face hefty fines, possible jail time, and other devastating life-changing ramifications. Hiring a highly-skilled traffic violations attorney is crucial to protect your rights and driving privileges.
At Peterson & Peterson, LLC, we are committed to helping clients deal with their traffic violations. As your legal counsel, we will review every detail of your case and determine the best way to fight your Ohio traffic issues. Our attorneys will fight aggressively on your behalf to dispute the charge, help you pursue the best possible outcome in your traffic violation case, and attempt to keep your driving record clean.
If you received a traffic ticket that you intend to fight, contact us at Peterson & Peterson, LLC to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys can offer you the comprehensive legal guidance and vigorous representation you need. Trust us to stand by your side and protect your rights. We proudly serve clients throughout Xenia, Clark County, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, and Greene County, Ohio.