You know the feeling. Heart pounding. Wondering if they’re coming after you or someone else. Curiosity about what happened. The red and blue lights flashing behind you. … No, being pulled over is no fun, no fun at all, especially when the officer hands over the hefty bill. The most common traffic tickets in Michigan sometimes include the addition of points on your driving record, which compounds the issue.
So what are some of the most common driving citations? And what penalties will you face in Michigan?
11 of the Most Common Traffic Tickets in Michigan
Following are some of the most common traffic tickets in Michigan in general, based on information provided by the state of Michigan and a variety of other sources, along with the possible penalties.
- Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs, 6 points/up to $500 for a first offense
- Reckless driving, 6 points/up to $500
- Fleeing a police officer, 6 points/$500 to $5,000 based on the factors of the incident
- Operating while impaired, 4 points/up to $300
- Drinking and driving under the age of 21, 4 points/up to $250 for a first offense
- Driving 16 mph over the limit or more, 4 points/$170 or more
- Blowing a stop sign or traffic signal, 3 points/$130
- Failing to stop for a school bus, 3 points/$295
- Driving 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit, 3 points/$150
- Careless driving, 3 points/$210
- Driving over the speed limit but less than 10 miles over, 2 points/$125 or $135
These are only some of the most common traffic tickets and penalties, but there are many others, such as impeding traffic, which carries a $175 fine, and failure to signal, which will cost you $105.
Keep in mind that a variety of factors could affect the level of penalties that a driver may receive. This is not intended to be a complete list and should not be considered legal advice, especially as penalties may change over time and a variety of circumstances could change the outcome of any traffic stop.
If you disagree with a traffic citation you’ve received, you might be able to argue it by appearing in court. See our blog about how to fight a traffic ticket, and consult with an attorney to decide if fighting the ticket is appropriate in your case. It’s also possible to get the points waived, but it might require you to pay a higher fee.
If You’ve Been Arrested …
Many arrests begin with routine traffic violations. Once they pull drivers over, officers often find that a warrant is out for that driver’s arrest, find drugs in the vehicle, or realize the driver is intoxicated.
If you need bail to get out of jail in Port Huron as a result of a traffic violation or for any other reason, contact one of our Port Huron bail bond agents online or by phone at (855) 313-2245. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure you get help as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Tags: Traffic Tickets