Although a DUI is a traffic violation, it is not considered minor because it jeopardizes peoples’ lives. The records associated with DUI normally categorize the offense as a misdemeanor or a felony DUI. Driving under the influence is a traffic violation by law, whether it occurs while driving or bicycling. If you are arrested for an Indiana DUI and need to speak with an Indiana DUI attorney, call our office at (317) 676-4747.
Minor Traffic Violations
There are many types of minor traffic violations that a driver may be ticketed for and possibly arrested, depending on the circumstances:
- running a stop sign
- speeding above the required speed limit
- failure to yield
- having an invalid driver’s license
- having a stolen or invalid registration sticker
- not obeying traffic lights and traffic signs
- not stopping at a red light or stop signal
You were violating any of the above regulations warrants an arrest if you are suspected of driving under the influence. When law enforcement believes that you are driving under the influence, they will arrest you and test you for drunk driving. If the blood alcohol content results are positive, you will also get a ticket for violating traffic rules.
A traffic violation occurs when a driver infringes vehicle operation laws while on the highways or streets. The driver or the bicyclist must observe and obey the traffic laws to avoid landing in law enforcers’ hands. Strict liability offenses that define a minor traffic violation include failure to yield and turning in the wrong lane.
DUI and Traffic Violations
A DUI typically involves some traffic violations. The following are examples of instances that may apply:
- You may not have been involved in the vehicle’s actual driving, but you were materially in control of the car while drunk. You may have been in the parking area, holding the car keys but drunk, you get charged with a DUI.
- You may have been driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs. The level of blood alcohol content determines your level of intoxication. If the BAC exceeds the minimum threshold of 0.08%, you get convicted of the traffic violation. A BAC above the minimum causes the driver to have impaired speech, confusion, staggering, dizziness, and vomiting. This abnormal body behavior risks other peoples’ lives.
- A moving violation where the traffic laws are infringed by a moving vehicle. The violations include speeding, drunk driving, and not stopping at a stop sign or a red light. Non-moving offenses are related to parking in front of a no-parking zone, in front of an expired meter, and a fire hydrant.
Some laws govern speed limits in the various road settings. State highways and residential street speed limits have speed limits for each road situation. Drivers are required to be sober when on the roads and not drive under the influence of any alcoholic substance.
Among the traffic violations that can warrant an arrest is an OWI. Reckless driving is not allowed. This kind of driving can lead to jail time, tickets, and also hefty fines. A reckless driver may cause minor cuts, broken bones, and serious injuries to himself. It is important to avoid a DUI, which will prevent causing injuries and damage to property.
Reckless driving is determined by tailgating, braking suddenly, ignoring turn signals when changing lanes, and not stopping at red lights. A person driving under the influence does not have the proper judgment capability to determine the distance between his vehicle and another vehicle. This poor judgment risks accidents through tailgating and ignoring traffic laws.
Hire an Attorney for Your DUI or Traffic Violation
You may be comfortable representing yourself for a minor traffic violation. However, a consultation with an experienced attorney will significantly help with traffic violations or the challenge of facing a serious criminal charge for DUI. An OWI attorney can negotiate to reduce or even drop the charges to save the driver’s reputation. A DUI attorney’s intervention can also prevent a license from being suspended, which would prohibit driving for a potentially long period. License suspension often results in missed appointments and termination from employment if you have no other transportation method.