No one wants to be hit with a fine. Your insurance costs could go up, you'll have to pay a hefty fine, and you could even lose your license. Yet, 4 million traffic tickets are issued in California each year. Let's make sure you're not one of the unlucky drivers. Once you know the most common traffic tickets in Los Angeles, you can better avoid the red-and-blue lights in your rearview mirror.
The Top Traffic Tickets in Los Angeles
1. Speeding, Speeding, Speeding
By far, the most common traffic ticket in Los Angeles is speeding, and it can be harder to avoid than you might think. If you're busy daydreaming or stuck on autopilot because you've driven the same route for months, you may not notice the speed limit signs on the road. As a rule of thumb, California sets the speed limit at:
65 mph on most highways
55 mph in two-lane undivided highways
25 mph in residential areas
15 to 25 mph in school zones
When you're on the road, pay close attention to the speed limit signs around you. Until you memorize how fast you can go on what roads, it's the best way to avoid a pricey ticket.
2. Running a Red Light
Not stopping at a red light is also common in Los Angeles. If you're in a rush and see the light turn yellow, what do you do? Well, you're supposed to slow down because the sign will turn red. If you don't, you'll likely run the red light and get caught doing so.
Obviously, red lights are there for a reason, not just to make you late for things. Running a red light could put you, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger. Don't risk it.
3. Texting and Driving
Contrary to what many newbie and experienced drivers believe, multitasking while driving simply isn't possible. Driving requires all your attention, so you can't be on your phone texting your friends or scrolling social media. If you need to call someone, do it on speakerphone, put your cell down, and keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
4. Aggressive or Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is illegal in California. It's sort of a catch-all violation to make sure drivers aren't aggressive or endanger other drivers and pedestrians. Because it's somewhat subjective (after all, "reckless driving" can mean many different things to different people), it can be hard to avoid.
However, curbing your road rage is a simple step you can take to make sure you don't become a danger to others.
5. Driving Under the Influence
Are you shocked to learn that California has the most DUI traffic violations in the country? Maybe not, seen as it's the most populous state. But still, many Los Angeles drivers have been fined for driving while drunk or high.
Avoiding this violation is a piece of cake: don't consume any drugs or alcohol before driving. No one is a better driver under the influence, no matter what some movies might portray. Plus, the cost of a DUI is high — and we don't just mean the expensive fines and possible jail time.
Deal with Your Los Angeles Traffic Tickets Effortlessly
In Los Angeles, getting traffic tickets goes on your driving record. After enough violations, you could lose your license for six months or longer. One way to make sure this doesn't happen to you is always following the rules. But if you have already gotten a traffic ticket, you can get it dismissed.
All you have to do is take a traffic school course. This 100% online state-approved curriculum is easy to complete and could help you keep your insurance costs down. By expunging your ticket from your record, no one will have to know about your speeding or texting while driving.
