The holidays are associated with road trips and travel, which means more traffic and more opportunities to be charged with a traffic offense. In order to ensure the roads are safe and free of drunk and reckless drivers, police departments in Connecticut and other states will increase the number of law enforcement officials patrolling the streets and cite those who violate traffic laws.
The following are the most common traffic offenses in Connecticut:
- Speeding – Holiday travelers and even holiday shoppers will do their best to get to their destination as quickly as possible, whether it’s a relative’s home or a busy mall. Unfortunately, speeding tickets are quite costly. For example, driving 70 mph in a 55-mph zone can cost between over $160 and less than $300 (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges), as well as points on your driver’s license. Commercial drivers face harsher penalties.
- Traveling unreasonably fast – If you drive above a posted speed limit but not more than 55 mph, you can be cited for traveling unreasonably fast in Connecticut. The ticket costs between $35 and $90 (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges).
- Reckless driving – The traffic and holiday madness often lead to road rage and people driving more recklessly. If you drive more than 85 mph on any road or driving at any speed that places another person’s life in danger, you could be charged with reckless driving. A conviction for reckless driving results in a maximum 30-day jail sentence and a fine of up to $300 (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges).
- Using your phone while driving – From using a navigation app or coordinating with loved ones, many people use their cellphones for various reasons. However, they also use their cellphones while operating a vehicle. A first offense for talking on a cellphone while driving is a $125 fine (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges), while a first offense for texting while driving is a $100 fine (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges).
- Driving with a suspended license – Whether a person knowingly or unknowingly operates a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, getting caught can lead to serious criminal penalties. A first offense is punishable by a jail sentence of up to 90 days and a maximum $200 fine (not including other fees, assessments, and surcharges).
Getting cited or arrested for a traffic offense can be devastating during this time of year. That is why it is in your best interested to let our Connecticut legal team at The Sills Law Firm help you secure the best possible outcome in your case. We can assess your case and determine all legal options to help you avoid serious criminal penalties and ensure your holidays are jolly and merry.
If you have received a traffic ticket or committed a serious traffic offense in Connecticut, contact us today at (860) 524-8118 for a free consultation. Get more than six decades of legal experience on your side immediately!
