No driver likes getting a ticket. Speeding, bad parking, or forgetting to indicate a turn will land you in trouble with law enforcement. To keep your record squeaky clean, you need to know basic traffic laws and avoid common driving mistakes.
If you’d rather spend your hard-earned money on something other than fines, these tips will keep you out of trouble.
Don’t Ignore the Speed Limit
You’re in a hurry, and you’re tempted to speed – but it’s the fastest way to get pulled over. Traffic officers concentrate in areas like school zones or construction sites. If the posted limit says 45, stick to it, even if everyone else seems to be flying by. A few extra minutes on the road beats the headache of explaining yourself to a cop or paying a hefty fine.
Never Roll Through a Stop Sign
A rolling stop might feel like no big deal, but law enforcement will come down heavily on you. When you approach a stop sign, make you come to a complete halt, even if the intersection seems deserted. Stop signs are there for a reason, and officers often set up shop nearby to catch violators.
Don’t Forget to Signal
Forgetting to flick your turn signal will draw attention to yourself and mark you out as a lazy driver. Whether you’re changing lanes or turning at an intersection, signaling lets everyone else on the road know your next move. Traffic officers often interpret a lack of signals as careless or unsafe driving – and will issue a ticket.
Never Tailgate Another Driver
Nobody likes being tailgaters – especially traffic cops. Following too closely is dangerous because when the car in front of you slams on the brakes, you’ll need enough space to stop safely. Police are quick to ticket offenders. The general rule of thumb is to leave at least one car length for every 10 mph of speed.
Don’t Drive with Expired Tags
Driving with expired registration tags is asking for trouble. Police can spot them easily, and once you’re stopped, they’ll probably be in the mood to check for other violations. Renewing your tags on time is a simple step to stay out of trouble. Keep track of your renewal date by setting reminders on your phone or calendar.
Never Park Illegally
We all know how frustrating it can be to find a parking spot on busy streets, but parking violations are a quick way to rack up fines. In a worst-case scenario, it could result in your car being towed to the pound. Avoid fire hydrants, no-parking zones, and areas with restricted hours. Always check signs carefully before leaving your vehicle, and never assume you’ll be ok for “just be a minute.”
Don’t Use Your Phone While Driving
Most states have strict hands-free laws, and even glancing at a text or map on your phone will catch the attention of nearby officers. Using your phone behind the wheel causes a lapse of conversation, which is very dangerous and one of the easiest ways to land yourself in trouble with the police.
Never Forget Your Seatbelt
You’re just making a short trip, and skipping the seatbelt might feel like a small risk, but it’s a top priority for traffic officers. Get into the habit of buckling up as soon as you get in the car – and make sure all your passengers do likewise because it will keep you all safe on the road. A few seconds of effort can save you from fines, injuries, or worse.
Don’t Block an Intersection
Be patient at busy intersections. If you can’t make it through an intersection before the light changes, wait until it’s clear. Getting stuck in the middle will block the box, annoy other drivers, and catch the attention of law enforcement. Letting a cycle of lights pass is better than dealing with a citation.
Never Drive with Broken Lights
Before you set off on any journey, check all your lights are working correctly. A burned-out headlight, taillight, or turn signal is an easy spot for traffic cops, who use these minor infractions to pull drivers over, which could lead to more fines if they find additional violations.
Don’t Blast Your Music
Modern in-car music systems are powerful and it’s tempting to crank up the volume for your favorite tracks, but blasting music can violate local noise ordinances – and police won’t hesitate to ticket you for it. Remember that staying under the radar is key to avoiding unnecessary stops.
Don’t Speed Through Yellow Lights
Don’t be tempted to floor the throttle when you see the lights about to change to stop. Speeding through on a yellow light is a common cause of accidents – and will always get you a ticket. If the light turns yellow, slow down and prepare to stop unless it’s unsafe to do so. Police often monitor intersections, so don’t test your luck.
Never Pass a Stopped School Bus
Never pass a stopped school bus – it’s illegal and incredibly dangerous because kids are so unpredictable. When the bus’s stop sign arm is extended, drivers in both directions must stop (unless there’s a divided highway). Being late for an appointment isn’t worth putting kids at risk or facing a hefty fine.
Don’t Drive Without Proof of Insurance
Did you know it’s illegal not to carry a copy of your car insurance policy in your car? Even if you have an active insurance policy, a law enforcement officer will book you if you can’t prove it. Always keep a copy of your insurance card in your vehicle, whether it’s a physical card or a digital one on your phone.