There is no set-in-stone single list of what is considered a minor traffic infraction and what is considered to be a major violation. How a state for licensing and points purposes classifies an infraction can differ from how a car insurance company classifies a traffic violation for rating purposes.
- State DMVs and insurance companies have different criteria for classifying traffic violations and there is no standardized list distinguishing minor from major infractions.
- Serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving and evading law enforcement are considered major driving violations.
- Less severe violations, such as speeding or running a red light, are typically classified as minor infractions, though some may still result in higher insurance premiums depending on the insurer.
What is a major driving violation?
Though there is not a master list of violation classifications, there are several traffic violations that state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and insurance companies consider major when you are convicted of them. The offenses typically determined to be major violations include:
- Operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol or narcotics (DUI or DWI)
- Driving with a suspended, revoked or invalid license
- Reckless driving or negligent driving
- Speed racing or drag racing
- Using a vehicle to commit a felony
- Leaving the scene of an accident or hit and run
- Refusing to stop or fleeing from a law enforcement officer
- Committing vehicular homicide, manslaughter or assault with an auto
What is a minor driving infraction?
Minor infractions would thus tend to be most any other traffic violations you receive that are not considered to be major or serious offenses. Common types of minor traffic serious offenses include speeding, running a red light, failing to yield and failing to obey a traffic device.
For a list of major and minor other traffic infractions in your state, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Your agent should be able to tell you what your automobile insurance company determines to be major violations, what other offenses are then considered major and minor violations and even what offenses may not be considered for rating purposes.
While your DMV might find the following offenses to be minor infractions, some car insurance providers do not classify the following infractions as minor offenses when it comes to rate increases:
- A motor vehicle equipment requirement violation
- Failure to display proper license plate numbers
- Failure to have in possession an operator’s license
- Failure to sign or display a registration card
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Failure to provide proof of insurance when required and in policy is in effect.
Major traffic violations vs. minor traffic infractions
When it comes to legal consequences, major traffic violations are much more impactful. Major traffic violations like DUI can affect your driving record and insurance score for years — sometimes decades — to come. Minor traffic infractions might affect your record in the short-term, but the consequences are less severe.
Examples of minor traffic infractions
Minor traffic infractions are the least serious traffic violations. While not classified as crimes, they are still prohibited by law. Here are common types of minor and traffic violations:
- Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limit.
- Running a red light: Failing to stop at a red traffic light.
- Failing to yield: Not giving right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Failing to signal: Not using turn signals when required.
- Parking violations: Parking in an illegal or restricted area.
- Expired registration or insurance: Driving with expired registration or insurance documents.
- Failure to wear a seatbelt: Not wearing a seatbelt while driving.
- Illegal passing: Overtaking another vehicle unlawfully.
- Improper lane changes: Changing lanes without following proper procedures.
- Passing a school bus: Passing a stopped school bus illegally.
- Speeding in a school or construction zone: Exceeding the speed limit in designated school or construction areas.
Examples of major traffic violations
Laws vary by state, but here are some examples of major traffic violations:
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless driving: Driving with a willful disregard for the safety of people or property.
- Hit-and-run: Leaving the scene of an accident without providing information or aiding the injured.
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license: Operating a vehicle after your license has been suspended or revoked.
- Excessive speeding: Driving significantly over the speed limit, often defined as 20-30 mph or more above the limit.
- Street racing: Participating in illegal drag racing or other speed contests on public roads.
- Vehicular manslaughter: Causing the death of another person through negligent or reckless driving.
- Fleeing or evading law enforcement: Attempting to escape or evade police officers during a traffic stop or pursuit.
- Aggressive driving: Exhibiting hostile or dangerous behavior, such as tailgating, weaving or road rage.
- Refusing a DUI test: Refusing to submit to a breathalyzer or other sobriety test when suspected of DUI.
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