Traffic Tickets

Traffic tickets are issued for many different driving violations. The most common type of traffic ticket is speeding. It may be easy to lose track of your speed because the roads of Delaware are well maintained and traffic seems to move easily.

However, the posted limits are set for a reason and it is your responsibility to stay within the speed limit. If you do get stopped for speeding you will, most likely, get a ticket. The amount you must pay on your traffic ticket depends on how much you were speeding.

Another common traffic citation is for running a red light. In fact, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DOT) felt traffic light violations deserved automatic detection; thus the implementation of Electronic Red Light Safety Program.

Avoiding Traffic Tickets

Avoiding traffic tickets is the best way to save money on unnecessary fines. By driving defensively, staying alert, and following the rules you can avoid most traffic violations.

In Drivers Education you learned about rules of the road, but over time many drivers forget these rules and develop bad habits. Try to make a routine of reviewing the Driver's Handbook and refresh your driving skills. For example, there are specific rules about who has the right of way at an intersection. Making a mistake could not only result in a ticket but worse, an accident.

Staying alert will also help you to avoid a traffic ticket. When you are driving on an unfamiliar road be aware of traffic signs, merging, or yielding traffic. And as always, watch your speed.

Traffic Ticket Consequences

Traffic tickets can be very expensive―sometimes hundreds of dollars. Your insurance premium could also increase because of your driving record.

When you get a ticket the court will notify the DMV where you will be assessed points under the DMV Point System. For the next two years the points will stay on your license as they age and anyone who sends for a driving record will see your violations. Plus, if you continue to accumulate points, you risk having your license suspended.

You can expect your insurance company to send for your record each year when your policy renews. Who else might be interested in your driving record? Some employers require a driving record when you apply for a position or promotion. If you are interested in becoming a professional driver with a Commercial Drivers License you will want to have a clean driving record.

Some tickets are handled as criminal offenses while others, mainly the Electronic Red Light Safety Program, are civil offenses. The procedure for paying your traffic ticket will depend on which type of citation you have―criminal or civil.