Driving is a daily necessity for many, but even the most seasoned drivers can make mistakes that lead to tickets and fines. Understanding common driving errors and how to avoid them can save you from unnecessary headaches. These are the 20 driving mistakes that can lead to tickets.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common reasons drivers get ticketed; according to Fox News, Ohio has ranked as the top state in recent years, with “14.95% of drivers having a prior speeding ticket.” Speed limits are set for a reason, and exceeding them can not only result in a hefty fine but also endanger you and others on the road.
Running Red Lights
We’ve all been there: you’re approaching an intersection, and the light turns yellow. The temptation to speed through before it turns red can be strong, but doing so can easily lead to repercussions—and running red lights is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous, as it increases the risk of accidents.
Ignoring Stop Signs
Stop signs are there to manage traffic and keep intersections safe, yet many drivers treat them as optional; rolling through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop is a common mistake that can result in law enforcement intervention. It might seem harmless, especially if the intersection appears empty, but it’s important to stop fully.
Distracted Driving
You can easily get distracted in your car, including with smartphones and in-car entertainment systems; texting, making phone calls, or even just adjusting the GPS while driving can lead to a ticket for distracted driving. Not only is it illegal in many places, but it also significantly increases accidents.
Tailgating
Following another vehicle too closely, or tailgating, is a sure way to attract the attention of law enforcement. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also lead to rear-end collisions if the car in front stops suddenly, so maintaining a safe following distance gives you ample time to react to unexpected situations.
Failing to Signal
If you’re failing to signal when you’re changing lanes or making a turn, you might find yourself with a ticket. Using your turn signals is a basic yet essential part of driving that many drivers neglect; signals communicate your intentions to other drivers, helping to prevent accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Driving Without a Seatbelt
Seatbelts are one of the simplest and most effective safety measures in a vehicle, yet some drivers and passengers still avoid using them. Unsurprisingly, police will stop you for not wearing a seatbelt, and in the event of an accident, it can be the difference between minor injuries and severe consequences—so make a habit of it.
Improper Lane Changes
You might think changing lanes is straightforward, but improper lane changes can lead to tickets and accidents, especially if you’re failing to check your blind spots, not using turn signals, or cutting off other drivers, which are all common mistakes. To avoid these issues, always check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder to check blind spots.
Illegal Parking
Parking violations are a frequent cause of police ticketing, too, and they can happen for various reasons. Whether it’s parking in a no-parking zone, blocking a fire hydrant, or overstaying your welcome in a timed spot, illegal parking can result in fines.
Blocking Intersections
Getting stuck in the middle of an intersection when the light changes is not only frustrating but also illegal. This mistake, known as “blocking the box,” may result in a fine and cause traffic congestion. To avoid this, ensure you have enough space to clear the intersection before entering it.
Not Yielding the Right of Way
If you do not understand and respect right-of-way rules, then you’re not driving safely; this includes failing to yield when required, such as at yield signs, when merging, or at pedestrian crosswalks. This can all see you with a police fine.
Expired Registration or Inspection
Driving with an expired registration or inspection sticker is an easy mistake to make, but it can result in a ticket if you’re pulled over. Keeping track of these dates and ensuring your vehicle is up to date can save you from fines, so make sure to set reminders for when your registration or inspection is due.
Illegal U-Turns
Another reason you might see a police charge is making U-turns where they’re not permitted, disrupting traffic flow. You’ll need to pay attention to signs indicating where U-turns are allowed and follow the rules accordingly; and if you miss a turn or need to change direction, it’s better to find a legal and safe spot to do so.
Driving Without a License
A serious offense is driving without a license; it can lead to significant fines and legal trouble. Whether your license has expired, been suspended, or you never had one, getting behind the wheel without it is illegal, so always ensure your license is valid if you don’t want a ticket.
Overloading Your Vehicle
You might be tempted to overload your vehicle with too many passengers or too much cargo when you need to get somewhere, but this can affect its handling and safety, leading to potential police fines. Each vehicle has a recommended capacity, and exceeding it can be dangerous.
Reckless Driving
Additionally, reckless driving—which encompasses a variety of dangerous behaviors, such as aggressive driving, excessive speeding, and ignoring traffic laws—can not only put you at risk of getting a ticket but also endanger everyone on the road. Driving responsibly, staying calm, and following traffic laws are key to avoiding the attention of the law.
Driving Under the Influence
If you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this is a severe offense with significant legal consequences. Not only does it impair your ability to drive safely, it increases the risk of accidents. DUI checkpoints and patrols are common, and getting caught can lead to hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Ignoring School Zone Rules
You won’t want to ignore school zone rules, either, if you don’t want to get ticketed; these zones have lower speed limits and specific rules to protect children. Be extra cautious when driving through school zones; adhere to the speed limits, and watch for crossing guards and children. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference in safety.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signs
The reason traffic signs are there is to guide and protect drivers, yet many people overlook or ignore them. Failing to obey traffic signs, whether it’s a no-entry sign, a yield sign, or a speed limit sign, can lead to a difficult conversation with a patrol cop.
Using High Beams Improperly
One final common driving mistake that can result in a ticket is not using your high beams correctly; high beams are useful for illuminating dark roads, but using them improperly can blind oncoming traffic. Or, following too closely with high beams on can be hazardous, so use high beams only when necessary.
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