I was wondering what most people get pulled over for. I had a rough idea based on the calls that come in to my office: speeding, DUI, running a red light. But, then I came across something more official. This only applies to Sacramento County, but it probably holds true across the state. Here are the top 10 traffic offenses in Sacramento:
- Driving faster than 65mph on the freeway;
- Driving faster than the California Basic Speed Law (which says that you cannot drive faster than is safe for conditions, regardless of the speed limit);
- Running a red light;
- Running a stop sign;
- Failure to wear a seat belt;
- Driving alone in the car pool lane;
- Driving without a license;
- Driving on a suspended or revoksed license;
- No proof of valid insurance;
- DUI.
The fines on these fun from $99 for not wearing your seat belt (which should be much higher, in my opinion) to $711 for not having proof of insurance to $1,985 for DUI. And that is just the fines to the court. Traffic school, attorneys fees, higher insurance: those go on top of these fees.
Especially during the holiday season, drive safely. You will save yourself some money and may save your life.