Why Did a Clean Driving Record Still Result in a Speeding Ticket?

Many people believe that a clean driving record means they are entirely safe behind the wheel. However, this belief is often mistaken. A clean driving record simply reflects a history of no traffic convictions, which does not necessarily mean a driver has never broken the law. It could be that the driver received a warning or successfully fought a ticket. The lack of traffic convictions can be due to various reasons, such as deferred adjudication or having taken a defensive driving course.

Common Violations Despite a Clean Record

When a police officer stops a driver with a clean record, they might still issue a citation for several reasons, including:

Speeding: Driving at speeds between 10 and 20 miles per hour over the limit. No Lights On at Night: Forgetting to use headlights at night can be a common oversight. Barely Running a Red Light: If a driver barely crosses a red light, they could still be cited. Rolling a Stop Sign: This behavior shows a lack of caution and respect for traffic rules. No Drivers License for Migrants: Some migrants might have a consulate card instead, which is not sufficient for driving. Registration Out of Date: A registration that is less than 3-6 months old might still be valid, but it's better to keep it up to date. Head Lights Out: Driving without headlights can be dangerous, even if it's not yet illegal.

Common Citations and Reasons for Stopping a Driver

Common Citations:

Kids Not Buckled Up or in Car Seats: This is a serious safety issue and can result in a citation. Speeding 10 Over in a Residential Area or 15 on Local Roads: Even minor speeding can lead to tickets. Following Too Closely or Making Unsafe Lane Changes in Heavy Traffic: These actions compromise safety and can result in citations. Paper Tag Violations: Any issues with the registration tag can be a reason for a citation. High Schoolers Speeding During Lunch Break with a Car Full of Kids: There are often age and vehicle restrictions for inexperienced drivers, and these violations can result in tickets. Busting a Red Light Severe, but Still a Violation: Failing to stop completely at a red light is dangerous and can result in a citation. No Slowdown for Stop Signs, Clearly Dangerous Behavior: This behavior reflects a disregard for safety and can result in a citation. No Insurance or Lack of Proof, Resulting in a Tow: Lack of insurance can result in towing the vehicle and a citation. Very Expired Registration, Additional Safety Concerns: A registration that is extremely outdated can result in a citation. Fog Lights with No Working Headlights, Possible Intent to Deceive: This can indicate an attempt to conceal the fact that headlights are out. Severe Equipment Violations, Often Fixable: Minor issues can be fixed at a cost of 10-20 dollars, which can resolve the citation.

Other Reasons for Stop:

Unsafe Driving Behavior, Lack of Consequences: If a driver exhibits a nonchalant attitude, it may indicate that they won't change their behavior, leading to more serious citations. Speeding in School Zones, Distracted Driving: Both these issues can result in additional tickets.

Note: In Texas, most equipment violations can be resolved with a fix-it ticket, where the driver can pay a small fee to fix the issue and the citation will disappear.

Despite making many stops, only about half end in warnings. I focus on identifying dangerous drivers and searching for impaired drivers, especially those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or have warrants. These cases are usually the highlight of my day, as they can make a significant impact on public safety. While revenue is a factor, it is not the primary motive for issuing tickets. The main goal is to change the behavior of reckless and inattentive drivers, who are unfortunately commonplace on our roads.