Every day, law enforcement officers throughout the country issue thousands of tickets for all manner of traffic offenses. Traffic or moving violations may not seem like a serious criminal offense in South Carolina, especially if you are a first-time offender. However, it can still attract severe and life-altering consequences such as the suspension of your driving privileges, fines and even jail time.
Here are some of the traffic violations for which you can receive a ticket.
Speeding
Speeding is probably the most common traffic violation throughout the U.S. Speeding can take the form of exceeding the designated speed limit or driving too fast for the condition.
For instance, if the road is slippery due to rain or snowfall, it makes sense to drive at a slower speed for safety reasons.
Improper maneuvers and turns
An improper pass or an illegal U-turn are traffic violations that can land you in trouble in South Carolina. Every motorist is expected to note and obey traffic signs while driving in the state.
Additionally, motorists are required to use their turn signals and only pass once it is legal, appropriate and safe to drive. Failure to observe this can earn you a ticket.
Reckless driving
Basically, reckless driving refers to operating a motor vehicle with total disregard for the safety of the other road users. This can include dangerous overtaking, tailgating, harassing other road users or running the red light.
You could receive a traffic ticket if you break traffic rules in a manner that risks the other road users’ lives. Depending on the nature of the infraction, reckless driving may result in a fine, suspension of your driver’s license or jail time.
Every motorist owes a duty of care to other road users. Find out how you can protect your rights if you sustain damages following another driver’s violation.
