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It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re pulled over while driving or when you get into a car accident — whether you’re dealing with felony or misdemeanor traffic violations, the penalties can often be pretty severe and the consequences can stay on your driving record for a long time. But there are a few things that will always, always, always make the consequences of any traffic violations much worse — and here are the two most common situations:
Refusing to take a field sobriety test and/or chemical BAC test when you’re suspected of driving while intoxicated. Every state has something called an implied consent law, which means that drivers automatically consent to performing a sobriety/chemical test if a law enforcement official suspects that they’re driving under the influence. This consent is automatically given when a driver receives his/her license. Although you can choose which type of test you want to take (breathalyzer, urine, or blood draw), if you refuse to take this test, your license will be suspended immediately and you’ll face harsher penalties. The idea behind an implied consent law is that if you really aren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you have nothing to hide.
Not providing contact information after damaging someone’s property, or not reporting the accident to the police. When you intentionally flee the scene of an accident where there has been property damage or personal injury, regardless of what caused the accident, you’ll automatically be charged with a hit and run ticket. Some hit and run laws require that you contact the police after an accident, but most states simply say that you need to provide your personal information and insurance information to the victim after causing damage/injury. If the other driver isn’t present, the best way to ensure that you avoid a hit and run defense is to write down your contact information and/or report the accident to the police — just so the incident is on record and you don’t seem like you’re intentionally trying to avoid taking responsibility.
Now we’re asking you for your contributions — if you’ve been ticketed before, what factors seemed to make the situation better/worse? Is there any additional advice you’d give to drivers to help them through the process? Feel free to leave any of your own experiences, tips, and opinions in the comments section! See more.
