PA Tickets & Violations

There are traffic tickets or citations issued in PA to drivers who commit various violations, which can range between serious and minor violations that definitely carry different penalties. The citation you receive will indicate the actual statute or traffic code that was violated, as well as a clear explanation of how and when the fine or penalties must be met.

You must take care of the ticket by the date designated, which could be through fines or court appearance, otherwise a bench warrant will be issued for you to be arrested, and you could even lose your license to suspension.

Violation Types in PA

There are what are known as “strict liability” offenses in PA, which are what most traffic tickets issued are for. These offenses only require proof of the act taking place for a conviction, even if there was no criminal intent. Examples of these types of offenses include:

  • Speeding
  • Parking meters overdue
  • Failure to utilize turn signals
  • Unauthorized parking in handicapped area/space
Moving and Non-Moving Violations in PA

There are different types of violations that could be classified as moving or non-moving violations, which is pretty self-explanatory. If the vehicle was moving at the time of the offense, it is generally classified as a moving violation, while a non-moving violation involves a vehicle that is not moving.

Moving violations in PA include:

  • Excessive speeding over limit
  • Driving below minimum speed limit
  • Failure to stop for light or stop sign
  • Failure to use seat belt
  • DUI/DWI
Examples of non-moving violations in PA include:

  • Unauthorized handicapped parking
  • Operating a vehicle without or with invalid registration
  • Expired or missing plates
  • Vehicle unattended while running
Most of the traffic violations in PA are traffic infractions, which will have large or small fines. If the offense is more serious, there will be higher fees assessed, with imprisonment also more possible. All the charges you face will be listed on your ticket or citation.

Citation Options

If you are given a citation, be sure to check on the ticket and with PennDOT to be sure of the choices you have in settling the ticket successfully.

  • Most won’t require court appearance, with the option to pay the ticket immediately – admitting your guilt.
  • Citation offers time and date details for paying the necessary fine.
  • Deal with tickets in the county they are received.
  • Payment of fines is accepted by all courts in cash or check.
  • Online payment is offered with some county DOT offices.
  • Disputing your ticket must be done in court on the date scheduled, entering “not guilty” as your plea.
  • Consult with traffic attorney for best advice and tips.
Guilty Pleas and Convictions

If you decide to pay your ticket outright instead of going to court and disputing it, you are automatically considered to be pleading guilty and will receive the consequences for such a conviction. Consequences could vary, but are typically along the following guidelines.

  • Some tickets, such as moving violations including speeding, are reported directly and instantly to PennDOT driver and vehicle services. This information is shared with other states on a routine basis.
  • PennDPT follows point system for tracking violations and penalties. Points are accumulated on driver’s record, which can result in suspension of your license.
  • Higher insurance premiums often follow violations, convictions, and license suspension.