Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Tacoma

Traffic Law in Washington State

Types of Traffic Infractions

Washington distinguishes between traffic infractions (civil) and traffic crimes (criminal). Most traffic tickets are infractions — they carry fines but not jail time. However, the consequences extend far beyond the fine itself.

Common Infractions

• Speeding — the most common traffic infraction, with fines increasing based on how far over the limit
• Running a red light or stop sign — including camera-based red light citations
• Improper lane change — unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, weaving
• Following too closely — tailgating violations
• Distracted driving — using a cell phone or electronic device while driving (RCW 46.61.672)
• Failure to yield — at intersections, crosswalks, merge points, or to emergency vehicles
• Seatbelt violations — Washington requires all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts

Criminal Traffic Offenses

Some traffic violations are criminal offenses that carry potential jail time, larger fines, and a criminal record:

• Reckless driving — gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days in jail
• Hit-and-run (attended) — gross misdemeanor or felony depending on injuries
• Driving while license suspended (DWLS) — misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on the reason for suspension
• Racing on a highway — gross misdemeanor
• Negligent driving in the first degree — misdemeanor
• Vehicular assault or vehicular homicide — felony

CDL Impact

Commercial driver's license holders are held to a higher standard under both state and federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations impose severe consequences for traffic violations committed in any vehicle — commercial or personal:

• Serious traffic violations (excessive speeding 15+ over, reckless driving, improper lane change, following too closely): 60-day CDL disqualification for one violation, 120 days for two within three years
• DUI or drug offense: One-year CDL disqualification for first offense, lifetime disqualification for second
• Railroad crossing violations: 60-day to one-year CDL disqualification
• Using a handheld device: Two violations within three years trigger a 60-day CDL disqualification

For commercial drivers, a traffic ticket is a career issue. We fight every violation aggressively to protect your CDL and your livelihood.

Insurance Effects

Insurance companies in Washington review your driving record when setting premiums. The financial impact of a traffic conviction extends far beyond the fine:

• A single speeding ticket can increase premiums 20-30% for 3-5 years
• Reckless driving and DUI can double or triple premiums
• Multiple violations can result in policy cancellation or non-renewal
• Insurers may move you to a high-risk pool with significantly higher rates
• Getting a ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation prevents insurance reporting

Contesting a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic infraction in Washington, you have three options:

• Pay the ticket — this is an admission of the infraction, goes on your record, and affects insurance
• Mitigation hearing — you admit the infraction but explain the circumstances; the judge may reduce the fine but the violation still goes on your record
• Contested hearing — you deny the infraction; the state must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that you committed the violation

At a contested hearing, common challenges include:

• Radar or lidar device calibration and certification
• Officer's visual estimate and observation conditions
• Speed survey validity (for speed trap locations)
• Proper signage and speed limit posting
• Identification — was it actually your vehicle?
• Officer's failure to appear at the hearing

License Suspension

Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) can suspend your driver's license for multiple reasons:

• Accumulating too many moving violations within a specific period
• DUI conviction or refusal of a breath/blood test
• Reckless driving, hit-and-run, or racing convictions
• Failure to pay traffic fines or appear in court
• Failure to maintain required insurance (SR-22)
• Medical conditions that affect driving ability

We represent drivers in DOL administrative hearings and help clients navigate the license reinstatement process, including SR-22 insurance requirements and occupational/restricted license applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets

What to Bring to Your Traffic Consultation

Even if you don't have documents, come anyway—time is critical.