Comprehensive Guide to Moving and Non Moving Violations in Washington State

Navigating traffic violations can be challenging, especially when understanding the differences between moving and non-moving violations. At Merrill Law, we aim to provide clear, detailed information to help you manage these issues effectively in Everett and Snohomish County.

Moving Violations

Moving Violations affect your record for 3 years. These are some common impacts that you may experience:

• Insurance rate increase
• Issues with employment background checks
• License warnings from the Department of Licensing regarding tickets.

Personal Electronic Device

In June of 2017 the Washington State laws changed to make using your Personal Electronic Device a moving violation. 

• First offense the fee is $136
• Second offense will be $234

Officers may pull you over if they see you holding your device in your hand while on the roadways, even if you are stopped at a traffic light.

• A driver may use a personal electronic device if using it in a hands free manner. 
• You may only start a function with a single touch or swipe if you are not holding your device.

Speeding

Speed limits are important to help with overall traffic safety and having an enforced speed limit reduces traffic collisions and fatalities.

There are multiple ways a driver could be caught for speeding. These include:

• Radar 
• Lidar 
• Aircraft Patrol
• Pacing your vehicle

Accident tickets

The report of an accident will appear in the Accident Section of your driving record. In Washington State an accident will stay on your record for 3 to 5 years.  We are not able to remove this fact from your record.

Not all accidents result in an issuance of a traffic ticket.  If a citation is issued regarding the accident, it would appear in the infractions section of your driving record. 

Some common moving violation issued due to an accident include: 

• Speed too fast for conditions
• Improper lane change
• Failure to yield
• Failure to stop
• Following too close
• Negligent driving

How Merrill Law Can Help with Moving Violations

Our attorneys focus on contesting these violations, providing representation in court to minimize their impact on your record and insurance. We have a strong track record of success in Everett and Snohomish County

Once you have hired us to represent you, we would go to court to fight the traffic ticket. We will work to keep the citation off of the infraction section of your driving record. 

Non Moving Violations

Non moving violations may be reported to the Department of Licensing. These may be visible to your insurance company, however would have less consequences to your record than a moving violation. These can include some of the items listed below.

Seat Belt Violations

A seat belt violation may be visible on your driving record however it will not be visible for insurance companies to view. 

All occupants of a vehicle must wear appropriate restraints. Children are to be in approved child restraints as noted in the Rules of the Road.

Parking Tickets

Parking tickets are assigned to the vehicle or the vehicle’s registered owner. Parking tickets do not affect your driving record. 

Camera Tickets

Camera tickets or photo enforced tickets do not go on your driving record. 

They are issued to the registered owner of a vehicle that was caught on a camera committing an infraction.

If you do not address them in a timely manner can lead to increased fines and potential vehicle registration issues.

We do not fight Camera or Parking Tickets

When we represent you, our goal is to protect your driving record. Since the camera and parking tickets do not appear on your driving record, our advice would be to pay the fine or go to court and get the fine reduced.

How Can You Tell If It Is Moving And Non Moving?

There is a list of moving violations and non moving violations on the Washington Administrative Code, also known as the WAC.  WAC 308.104.160

This list is not exhaustive and some non moving violations can affect your record.

There are many ways an experienced traffic attorney can fight your ticket for you.

Call us now

To ask additional questions or to hire an experienced attorney who has deep connections with the local legal system.

(425) 259 4972

Click Here To Learn More About Traffic Tickets.

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