Washington Traffic Tickets-What's the News

Posted Friday, May 3, 2019 by Andrew Charles Huff

If you received a Washington traffic ticket recently, you might be wondering what to do next. The good news is not every traffic violation is the same, and most drivers can keep these tickets off their records, preventing costly insurance hikes.

Traffic Tickets & Types of Violations in Washington

The first thing you need to know is what type of ticket you’ve received. Washington traffic violations are classified as either moving or non-moving offenses. A speeding ticket is a moving violation while a non-moving violation includes having expired tabs or a parking ticket.

Examples of moving violations include:

SpeedingA red light or stop sign violationUsing a cell phone

Non-moving violations include:

Driving with expired plates or registration

How to Handle a Traffic Citation

I will request all discovery from the prosecuting attorney and then appear in court on the hearing date with the goal of keeping the ticket off your driving record.
However, if you simply pay the fine, the ticket will appear on your driving record as a ”committed” finding after being reported to the Department of Licensing.

What Happens With Too Many Tickets?

If you receive 4 moving violations in 12 months or 5 in 24 months, your license will be put on probation. Get another 2 more tickets and your driver license will suspended for a period of time.

Deferring a Traffic Ticket

Drivers in our state are allowed to defer a ticket and keep it from being reported to the DOL every 7 years. In order to defer a ticket you must request a deferral from the court.

Call me directly at 206-729-3477 and let’s discuss your case.