Although every driver is responsible for following traffic laws, it is easy to make a careless mistake and wind up with a ticket. Being inattentive for even a second can cause a person to speed or miss a stop sign.

In most cases, facing a traffic violation is not the end of the world. However, they can come with steep fines, and in some cases, a driver may even lose his or her license. In the most serious cases, offenders may also face jail time. This is why it is so important for drivers to take proactive steps to avoid the most common traffic violations.

Here is a breakdown of the three of most common traffic violations in Connecticut:

Traffic violations can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. Additionally, they are more common than most people may realize. In fact, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, traffic stops represent the most common type of interaction between civilians and law enforcement.

Conviction of or pleading guilty to a traffic violation, may result in a financial penalty, license suspension, or even jail time depending on the nature of the offense. Fortunately, a criminal attorney with experience litigating traffic violation cases may be able to get the charges significantly reduced or altogether dropped.

What to Do When Police Pull You Over

It is well known that texting while driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving, yet today it is a common traffic violation. A Virginia company is developing a new technology that would give the police a device to use to identify when a driver is texting behind the wheel.

In Connecticut, typing, reading, or sending texts while operating a vehicle is prohibited by law. This prohibition applies even if the vehicle is temporarily stopped at a stop sign or light or is stopped due to road conditions or traffic. The fines are $125 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $400 for a third or subsequent offense.

The device can detect the specific radio frequencies that are used when someone is using a cell phone to send text messages. It can distinguish between the frequencies used to send text messages, make phone calls, and transfer data. However, the developer of the technology would have to address certain issues such as determining who was doing the texting when more than one person is in a car.