What are strict-liability offenses?

On Behalf of | Sep 6, 2017 | Traffic Violations |

Traffic tickets are extremely common, and a reality for many people in the U.S., considering that 90 percent of people over the age of 16 have a driving permit. However, because of the huge role that driving plays in our day-to-day lives, and because of the dangers associated with it, many laws have been put into place, and the violation of these can lead to a traffic ticket.

This blog will serve as a brief overview into the types of strict liability offense traffic tickets that can be issued, and the laws that apply to them.

Strict liability offenses

Strict liability offense traffic tickets account for the majority of all traffic violations. Strict liability means that although there was no criminal intent when the traffic violation occurred, the person can still be convicted as he or she made a mistake that could potentially have been dangerous. The only type of proof needed is that the person committed the act.

Types of strict liability traffic offenses include speeding, overdue parking meters, driving a car with faulty headlights, failure to use turn signals or to yield or parking in a handicap spot without a handicap or other valid sticker.

Responding to strict liability traffic tickets

When dealing with minor traffic offenses, the process is usually administrative, meaning that they are not involved in criminal court. Some traffic violations are more serious and can lead to a felony.

Traffic tickets are usually not serious matters but if they are not paid, more serious consequences can occur.

Source: FindLaw, “Traffic tickets basics,” accessed Aug. 24, 2017