Most motorists in Georgia and elsewhere will attest that they get anxiety when they share the road with law enforcement. Whether it is a stopped cruiser attempting to catch speeders or an officer traveling on the highway, the last thing a motorist wants is to get pulled over. While it might be for a simple moving violation, such as speeding, some traffic violations are more severe, carrying with them harsher penalties.
What is a traffic violation and what defense options are available? When considering the basics, a traffic violation occurs when a driver fails to comply with the laws that regulate vehicle operation on the roadways. With the high number of motorists on the roads, the number of traffic law violations can reach in the millions each year. These violations can occur infractions such as speeding, running a red light, reckless driving and drunk driving.
The vast majority of traffic violations are considered strict-liability offenses. This means that criminal intent is not required in order to convict a person of the alleged offense. Essentially, the only proof that is needed is that the motorist committed the prohibited act. This includes offenses such as speeding, failure to yield, turning into the wrong lane, operating a vehicle with a a head-light burned out, parking in a handicap spot without the required sticker and being parked at an overdue parking meter.
Facing a traffic violation may seem like a minor issue; however, each of these violations carry with them a fine. Depending on the offenses one is accused of, it may be appropriate to assert a defense. This could help one avoid these penalties and possibly harsher consequences if one has a history of traffic violations.
