Too Fast for Conditions Traffic Ticket, Following Too Close Traffic Ticket, Improper Lane Change Traffic Ticket

In Tacoma, Washington, traffic violations like driving too fast for conditions, following too close, and improper lane change can all lead to serious penalties that include fines and increased insurance premiums. Receiving any of these tickets can be overwhelming because they are just more than fines; they also carry lasting consequences that can affect your driving record for years to come.

But remember, you aren’t alone in this. Understanding your rights, the laws, and how you can fight back is the first step toward taking control of the situation. Whether you’re dealing with mounting stress from unpaid fines or worried about the insurance premiums skyrocketing and draining your bank account, there are ways to get through this. With the help of a skilled Tacoma traffic attorney, you can get back on track.

When you are cited for driving too fast for conditions, this means you were operating at a speed that wasn’t reasonable or prudent given the current weather, road, or traffic conditions, even if it’s within the posted speed limit. This is governed by RCW 46.61.400. Some of the factors for this include:

• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can all impair your visibility and affect road traction.
• Road Conditions: Potholes, construction zones, or uneven road surfaces might require reduced speeds.
• Traffic Conditions: Heavy traffic or congestion can mean you should follow slower speeds for safety.

Violating this statute can result in fines ranging from $139 to $190, but it also depends on the exact circumstances and if there was an accident.

Common causes include:

• Failing to reduce speed during inclement weather
• Driving too fast in construction zones
• Driving too fast on rough or uneven roads
• Not reducing your speed in heavy traffic
• Not reducing your speed in low visibility conditions

Always reduce your speed in adverse weather conditions, allow extra distance between you and other cars when driving in poor conditions, and use fog lights, headlights, and wipers when necessary and appropriate.

This is also commonly known as tailgating and is when you drive too closely behind another vehicle without allowing for a sufficient stopping distance, as defined under RCW 46.61.145. This statute says that you shouldn’t follow a vehicle more closely than is reasonable considering the speed, traffic, and road conditions.

A traffic ticket for this violation can lead to fines and come with a higher risk of possible accidents.

Common causes for this kind of citation include:

• Aggressive driving
• Impatience
• Inattention while driving

It is best to practice defensive driving. This means keeping a safe following distance — at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you under normal conditions, and more if there is bad weather or traffic.

This occurs when you change lanes without signaling, fail to check your blind spots, or move into a lane unsafely. RCW 46.61.305 states that drivers must not turn or change lanes unless the movement can be made safely and without endangering others.

Violations of this can lead to fines. Given its subjective nature, you will want to consult your traffic attorney in Tacoma, who can help you contest this kind of ticket.

Common violations include:

• No signal or improper use of the turn signal
• Changing lanes in an intersection or crosswalk
• Making a lane change when you aren’t clear of other vehicles
• Cutting off other vehicles
• Abruptly merging with no warning

To prevent this:

• Signal before changing lanes, even if you feel the road is clear.
• Check your mirrors and blind spots.
• Only change lanes when it’s safe.
• Plan lane changes early instead of at the last minute.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors.

If you receive a traffic ticket for any of these three violations in Tacoma, consider the following steps:

• Review the Citation: Ensure all the info on your citation is accurate, including the details, the violation you were given, and the date and time it happened.
• Decide How to Respond: You can admit guilt and pay the fine, or request a hearing to challenge the citation.
• Prepare Your Defense: Gather evidence, including photographs, witness statements, or weather reports. Your Tacoma attorney can provide you with more guidance tailored to your situation.
• Attend the Hearing: This is when you will present your case, evidence, and any legal arguments in your defense.
• Wait for a Decision: A Pierce County Court judge will render a verdict. This can result in a ticket dismissal, reduced penalty, or the original ticket being upheld.

A Tacoma traffic attorney has specialized knowledge of the traffic laws in the state and county. This means they can navigate your case more easily while explaining the specific laws that apply to your situation.

Your attorney can also negotiate with the court or the prosecutor to reduce the overall severity of your violations, whether it’s a fine reduction, a deferred finding, or having the ticket dismissed.

Since traffic violations can also sometimes escalate, especially if you have a traffic violation history or it resulted in an accident, having an attorney in the passenger seat ensures a favorable outcome for your case.

When facing one of these tickets, legal counsel and defense will be your best ally. Don’t hesitate to reach out and see what insight they can offer.