Common Non-Moving Traffic Violations in Loudoun County
Most people can’t drive more than six or eight blocks without breaking at least one traffic law. In fact, many people cannot pull out of parking lots without breaking at least one traffic law. The Virginia Code includes numerous non-moving traffic violations, some of which are examined below. Non-moving violations, like speeding and other moving violations, also constitute reasonable suspicion for detention, at least in most cases.
Many standalone non-moving violations are fix-it tickets. If the driver shows proof of compliance within about thirty days, the court usually dismisses the ticket. Quite frankly, these drivers usually don’t need lawyers. However, if a non-moving violation leads to a criminal arrest, such as DUI, that’s different. A good Loudoun County criminal defense lawyer should always handle these matters.
Parking Infractions
These violations include parking in a no-parking zone, in front of a fire hydrant, in a handicapped space without a permit, or in a loading zone. Other parking violations include double parking, parking at an expired meter, and impeding traffic.
That last parking violation often leads to DUI investigations and arrests. If a driver is parked in a traffic lane, perhaps because s/he is passed-out drunk, a police officer contact is warranted. In fact, the officer can break into the vehicle and perform a safety check, under the exigent circumstances exception to the search warrant requirement.
Standalone parking violations don’t go on a driver’s permanent record. However, if the parking violation is part of a moving violation, such as reckless driving (e.g. Ann cuts off several vehicles in traffic so she can claim a parking spot), points accumulate.
Documentation and Registration Issues
Similarly, these non-moving violations could lead to criminal charges, such as DWLS (driving while license suspended) or FMFR (failure to maintain financial responsibility, or driving without insurance).
Other documentation and registration issues are fix-it tickets, as outlined above. These infractions usually include expired registration, no license plate, and an unsecured license plate (e.g. a license plate in a window).
Once again, if an officer pulls over a motorist for a non-moving violation, the officer may investigate possible criminal offenses, such as DUI or possession of an illegal weapon, or kidnapping. Additionally, the officer can run a background check on the driver.
Equipment Violations
Issues such as broken or non-functioning lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals), excessive window tint, missing mirrors or windshield wipers, loud exhaust, or illegal modifications are fix-it tickets which can lead to criminal investigations.
Vehicle Condition Issues
No current inspection sticker was once the most common vehicle condition non-moving violation. However, many jurisdictions have done away with this requirement, at least in part.
Safety inspection or not, an officer can still detain a motorist if the vehicle has a flat tire, an unsafe tire, is leaking fluid, or is otherwise a safety hazard. Tire issues could lead to a loss of vehicle control and vehicle fluids are usually toxic.
Other vehicle condition issues relate to the appearance. Examples include an obscured license plate and an obstructed windshield. An oversize frame that obscures any information on the plate, such as the very top of “VIRGINIA,” is illegal. Most dangling objects, like crucifixes, are also illegal.
Reach Out to a Diligent Loudoun County Lawyer
There’s a big difference between an arrest and a conviction in criminal law. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Leesburg, contact Simms Showers, LLP, Attorneys at Law. Virtual, home, and jail visits are available.
