As road users, whether drivers, pedestrians, or riders, one thing we all have at the back of our minds is safety. Safety on the roads is so important that we shouldn’t ignore the slightest of traffic rules or regulations.
A lot of regulations have been stated for drivers to follow and keep in touch with when driving to ensure the safety of themselves and other road users.
In the event that these regulations are violated, tickets will be issued. People often wonder if it is possible to be issued a ticket without being pulled over. So, can you get a ticket without being pulled over?
You can be issued a ticket without being pulled over as long as there is evidence that you committed the crime. States such as Ohio, Washington D.C, California, etc., have adopted the method of giving tickets to violators without being pulled over and it has proven to be quite effective.
Who Gives Violation Tickets?
A violation ticket is also known as a traffic ticket and it is given or issued by a law enforcement official to a road user (driver or pedestrian).
Traffic tickets show that the person has violated a traffic regulation.
Violation tickets come in different types, the moving violation, and the non-moving violation. An example of a moving violation is a road user exceeding a given speed limit.
A non-moving violation can be a parking violation. The ticket issued for a parking violation is commonly known as a parking ticket or a parking citation.
When you are issued a violation ticket, there is a penalty attached to it. It could be in the form of a fine or a deduction of points.
The owner of the vehicle or the driver will pay the penalty. If you fail to pay the penalty for your violation ticket, you risk getting prosecuted or sent to civil recovery proceedings.
There are many types of violation tickets e.g, speeding, distracted driving, reckless driving, etc. We’ll consider them in detail later in this article.
Can You Get a Ticket Without Being Pulled Over?
Yes, it is very possible for you to be issued a ticket without you being pulled over. It is actually dependent on the state you reside.
In many states, there are traffic cameras at strategic locations to monitor the flow of traffic and catch violators. when you violate a traffic regulation in such places, the plates of your vehicle will be captured automatically and processed.
It will also serve as evidence against you that you actually committed a traffic violation.
So yes, it is possible for you to be issued a ticket without you being pulled over. Some states such as Ohio, Washington D.C, California, etc. have adopted this method and it has proven to be quite effective
What to Do If You Get a Ticket Without Being Pulled Over?
If you are issued a ticket without being pulled over, you will be required to pay the fines associated with the ticket. Note that it is illegal to ignore an unpaid ticket.
List of Violations You Can Get a Ticket For
All drivers should be careful while driving and take the necessary precautions to avoid being cited. All you need to do is obey traffic laws while driving and be civil.
Here are the seven most common violations you can get a ticket for:
1. Overspeeding
Overspeeding is the most common traffic violation drivers commit.
Whether it’s just pure disregard for the law or they are actually in a hurry, no one knows but it is so common to see drivers pulled over by law enforcement agents for overspeeding.
Many drivers exceed the speed limit for certain roads and that will lead to violation tickets.
Personally, I know this is the most common reason drivers are issued violation tickets. There are different laws on speeding in various cities and states. You need to be aware of speeding laws in your state and city to avoid being booked for overspeeding.
2. Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is also another reason many drivers are issued violation tickets. Many states term it as “willful disregard for the safety of others” and it attracts traffic tickets when apprehended.
An example of reckless driving could be racing in residential areas or out of race tracks, eluding arrest, etc.
Excessive speeding can also be termed reckless driving because you are putting the lives of others and yours at risk.
To avoid being ticketed for reckless driving, be respectful to other motorists on the roads.
3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
This is called intoxicated driving in some quarters but the meaning remains the same. You will be ticketed if you are caught driving when drunk.
You could be drunk from drinks or drugs; it does not matter. You should never drive when drunk.
4. Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License
Every country and state restricts drivers from driving without possessing a valid driver’s license.
You need to have a driver’s license to drive and as a driver, you need a VALID driver’s license to drive.
This means that if you have an expired driver’s license, you can be issued a violation ticket.
5. Ignoring a Red Light or Stop Sign
Traffic lights are built to manage and direct traffic on roads. If traffic instructions are disobeyed, ignored, or flouted, accidents are bound to occur.
Ignoring a red light is one of the most dangerous offenses a driver can commit. This is because running a red light will most likely get you in the way of the other lane on a green light.
This is a serious challenge many cities face because some obstinate drivers refuse to obey the stop signs and other traffic signs.
6. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming a norm in recent times. Many recent accidents have been caused by a lack of focus on the part of drivers.
This is not a surprise though. Mobile devices are increasingly being used by people everywhere so it is no news that many drivers are distracted by mobile phones while driving.
These recent happenings have forced state governments to put regulations in place to stop the use of cell phones while driving.
7. Fleeing the Scene of an Accident
If you cause an accident on the road and you attempt to flee the scene, you have committed a grievous offense. It is even more grievous when there are injured persons involved.
Hit and run is a serious offense in many states and you will be issued a violation ticket if you flee the scene of an accident.
Conclusion
Violation tickets (or traffic tickets) are issued to non-compliant drivers who violate traffic regulations. You do not need to be pulled over by a law enforcement official before you are issued a ticket. If there are cameras at the scene of the violation, your car plates will be run and you will be issued a ticket electronically.