Washington traffic citations may be issued to drivers who commit offenses while operating motor vehicles on public roads. Motorists are generally expected to resolve their tickets by responding by the due date written on the tickets. They may either fight traffic citations in WA by pleading “not guilty”, or pay fines immediately. For more information about contesting a traffic ticket in Washington, continue reading the sections below.
Fighting a Washington Ticket
Washington Driving Record Violation System When you commit traffic violations, the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) will record them on your driving record. If you violate too many traffic laws, the WA DOL may flag you as a problem driver and serve you a variety of penalties. Insurance Information Exchange, a unit of ISO Claims Services, Inc. Created on 07/. The company named above and I request a copy of my official driving record in the state of Washington to my employer, prospective employer, volunteer organization, or their agent. We protect insurance consumers, the public interest, and our state’s economy through fair and efficient regulation of the insurance industry. Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner Skip to main content. Washington State Reckless Driving Charges. In Washington State, a person is guilty of Reckless Driving if that person “drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” The charge is considered to be a criminal traffic offense. Reckless Driving is a gross misdemeanor and if convicted.
Drivers who choose to fight traffic tickets in Washington need to plead “not guilty” at court by the due date of their tickets. Before initiating a traffic citation defense procedure, make sure to read carefully your ticket and to respond within 15 days of the date of the infraction.
Motorists may choose to either fight by requesting a contested hearing, or reduce the fine by scheduling a mitigated hearing. A traffic attorney may be able to help your case.
Paying a Washington Ticket
Washington traffic citations payments are required from drivers who are found guilty of committing offenses while driving motor vehicles. Motorists may pay traffic fines online, by mail or in person at the proper court.
Note: Since some charges may be reduced, you are advised to contact your court to find out more about your eligibility for reduction.
Lost Tickets in Washington
Regardless of whether you decide to dispute traffic tickets or to pay traffic citations in Washington, you need to use the information written on your ticket. Therefore, losing your ticket will require you to contact the proper court in order to proceed with the procedure of contesting a ticket. Drivers may need to contact either a municipal or a county district court, depending on which court issued their citations. Once you retrieve the ticket information, you may handle your fines.
Washington Fines and Penalties
Getting traffic tickets in Washington will result in paying certain amounts of money and will bring you additional penalties. Drivers who commit a high number of traffic violations will have to pay traffic fines. These fines may vary based on the type and number of previous offenses committed.
As an example, fines for speeding in a school zone may range from $214 to $808, depending on the exact speed over the limit. Red light violations amount $101, or $136 if you have been pulled over by a police officer.
In addition to the fine amounts, committing traffic offenses will be accumulated on your driving record and may result in penalties such as a driver’s license suspension or a probation period of one year during which you must stay violation-free. Keep in mind that DUI penalties are typically more severe and more difficult to contest.
Washington State Driving Record Insurance Companies
Points in Washington
Traffic tickets may usually result in the accumulation of demerit points on your driving records. Washington, unlike other states, does not have a point system, but the Department of Licensing (DOL) has established a violation system for drivers who have committed various traffic offenses. Drivers with a high number of WA traffic violations on their driving records may get their driver’s licenses suspended or put on probation.
How Tickets Affect a Washington Drivers License
Washington traffic tickets may be issued as a result of a variety of reasons and may affect your driving privileges. Motorists with many traffic violations accumulated on their driving records may receive a driver’s license suspension or probation.
Residents can defer their traffic tickets by completing a state-approved traffic school. Motorists holding citations may choose to enroll in a defensive driving course in order to reinstate their driver’s licenses or to gain additional knowledge and practice defensive driving techniques.
Washington Car Insurance Fines and Violations
Traffic citations in Washington may also lead to higher car insurance premiums. If you are considered an unsafe driver due to several traffic tickets, you may try and earn a discount. Drivers can both defer their traffic tickets and earn a vehicle insurance discount by completing a state-approved traffic school. Drivers can easily dispute their tickets by providing proof of traffic school completion.