Traffic violations aren’t all treated the same. Minor infractions like rolling through a stop sign might just cost you a small fine or a few license points.
But major violations – such as reckless driving or DUI – can come with serious consequences, including license suspension, higher insurance rates and even criminal charges. Understanding the difference between major and minor violations can help you avoid costly mistakes behind the wheel.
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- State DMVs and insurance companies have different criteria for classifying traffic violations, and no standardized list distinguishes 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?
While there’s no official list of major violations, many state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and insurance companies consider certain offenses major violations if you’re convicted. The offenses typically included as 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
Is a DUI a minor traffic violation?
No, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is one of the most serious traffic violations.
What is a minor traffic infraction?
Minor infractions include any other traffic violations you receive that are not considered major or serious offenses. Common types of minor traffic offenses include:
- Speeding under certain thresholds
- Running a red light
- Failure to yield
- Failure to obey a traffic device
For a list of major and minor other traffic infractions in your state, review your state’s regulations through its Department of Motor Vehicles.
You can also ask your insurance agent, who should be able to tell you what your automobile insurance company determines to be significant violations, what other offenses are considered major and minor violations and 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.
Is a speeding ticket a minor traffic violation?
A ticket is usually a minor traffic violation for speeding tickets 1-15 mph over the limit and not issued in a school or construction zone. However, even minor speeding tickets can add points to your license and raise your car insurance rates, particularly if you have multiple violations.
I got a ticket for driving at an unsafe speed. Is that a minor traffic violation with Nationwide?
Drivers with Nationwide pay 52% more, on average, after a speeding ticket. Whether it’s considered a major or minor violation with Nationwide is for the company itself to say.
Are all speeding tickets from 15–49 km/h considered minor?
A speeding ticket for going 15 to 49 km/h or approximately 9 to 30 miles per hour over the speed limit may not be considered minor. Speeding 20+ mph or over, speeding in a school or construction zone, or reckless speeding may be classified as a major violation in some states.
Minor traffic violation examples
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 the 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.
Is running a red light a minor violation?
Usually yes, unless it leads to an accident or you repeatedly run red lights.
Major traffic violation examples
Major traffic violations include DUIs, reckless driving, hit-and-runs, excessive speeding (driving 20-30+ mph over the speed limit), street racing, vehicular manslaughter and other serious driving misdeeds.
“Major traffic violations involve things like DUI, reckless driving or hit-and-run and can have significant penalties like fines over $1,000 or more, losing your driver’s license, or even time behind bars,” says Seann Malloy, founder and managing partner at Malloy Law Offices serving the greater Washington, D.C., area.
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.
“Unlike minor infractions such as parking tickets, these matters frequently include charges that allege harm to someone or something,” Malloy says. “For instance, in one case, I handled a client who was charged with reckless driving and served 90, 90-day suspension of his license and paid a $1,200 fine for speeding excessively in a residential area.”
Minor vs. major traffic violations chart
The table below illustrates some key differences between minor and major traffic violations.
| Minor | Major | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard penalties | Fine, points on your driver’s license | License suspension, SR-22 insurance requirement |
| Insurance impact | Rate increase possible | Major rate increase likely or possible denial of coverage |
| Examples | Parking violationsFailure to use your signals | DUIReckless driving |
| Criminal consequences? | No | Possible |
Frequently asked questions
What violations may insurers forgive?
Insurance companies might forgive certain violations. For example, accident forgiveness add-ons may allow an insurer to forgive an accident without a rate increase. Some insurers offer minor violation insurance, which forgives one minor violation in a specific period to help you avoid increased car insurance costs
Can you remove a major or minor violation from your record?
In many states, having a major or minor traffic violation removed from your record is impossible. However, many states allow you to take a defensive driving course to offset the points you received from the violation. While the violation remains on your record, taking an approved traffic safety course might help you eliminate the incurred points.
What’s the impact of multiple minor violations?
If you receive multiple minor traffic violations, they can add up. As you rack up points on your driving record, minor offenses can snowball into a significant issue. After multiple minor offenses, you might see increased insurance premiums or a driver’s license suspension.
Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.
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