Top 5 Reasons That Drivers Get Pulled Over

Getting pulled over by law enforcement is something most drivers dread. That moment when you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror can trigger anxiety, confusion, and uncertainty about what comes next. Understanding why officers commonly initiate traffic stops can help you avoid these situations and know your rights if you do find yourself facing a citation. Let’s examine the top reasons drivers get pulled over, from least to most common.

5. “Pretext” Stops

While less frequent than other violations, law enforcement may sometimes use minor traffic violations as a legal basis to stop a vehicle when they suspect other criminal activity. Common pretexts include:

• Objects hanging from rearview mirrors (which are technically illegal in many states)
• License plate frame violations that partially obscure state names
• Minor equipment issues like a single burned-out license plate light
• Momentary driving irregularities like briefly touching a lane line

Courts have generally upheld officers’ right to conduct these stops as long as there is an actual traffic violation, regardless of the officer’s underlying motivation.

How a Traffic Attorney Can Help: If you believe you were stopped on a pretext, an attorney can evaluate whether the stop was legally justified and if your constitutional rights were violated during any subsequent search or seizure. In some cases, evidence obtained from improper stops can be suppressed.

4. Suspected DUI/DWI

Officers are trained to identify potential signs of impaired driving, which can lead to traffic stops even without obvious traffic violations:

• Erratic driving patterns or weaving within lanes
• Unusually slow driving or hesitation at traffic signals
• Wide turns or straddling lane markers
• Delayed responses to traffic signals or signs
• Driving at night without headlights

A traffic stop based on suspected impairment can quickly escalate to field sobriety tests, breathalyzer requests, and potentially serious charges that extend well beyond simple traffic violations.

How a Traffic Attorney Can Help: DUI/DWI cases require specialized legal knowledge. Traffic attorneys with experience in these cases can examine whether the officer had reasonable suspicion for the initial stop, if proper testing protocols were followed, and whether your rights were respected throughout the process.

3. Equipment Violations

Police officers have legal authority to stop vehicles with equipment problems, even for minor issues:

• Burned-out headlights, taillights, or brake lights
• Cracked windshields that obstruct driver visibility
• Expired or missing registration tags
• Illegally tinted windows beyond state-permitted darkness
• Modified exhausts that exceed noise regulations

What makes equipment violations particularly tricky is that drivers are often unaware of these issues until they’re pulled over. Once stopped, officers may discover other violations or conditions that lead to additional tickets.

How a Traffic Attorney Can Help: Many jurisdictions allow for “fix-it tickets” to be dismissed upon proof of repair. An attorney can often negotiate the complete dismissal of these citations if repairs are made promptly, potentially saving you hundreds in fines and preventing insurance increases.

2. Moving Violations

Officers frequently pull over drivers for moving violations that may endanger public safety or disrupt traffic flow:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Improper lane changes without signaling
• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Distracted driving, particularly cell phone use
• Failure to yield right-of-way

These violations typically carry fines, points, and potential insurance consequences. Some, like running a red light, can be particularly costly and may involve intersection cameras in many jurisdictions.

How a Traffic Attorney Can Help: A qualified traffic attorney can review the officer’s observations and potentially challenge subjective judgments about your driving behavior. Many moving violations occur in situations with multiple vehicles where witness perspectives and traffic conditions can create reasonable doubt about alleged infractions.

1. Speeding

Speeding remains the most common reason drivers get pulled over across the United States. Law enforcement officers use various methods to detect speeding violations:

• Radar guns that measure your vehicle’s speed using radio waves
• Laser detection (LIDAR) for pinpoint accuracy in targeting specific vehicles
• Pacing, where an officer follows your vehicle to gauge speed
• Aircraft speed enforcement in some jurisdictions
• Automated speed cameras in states where they’re permitted

Even driving just a few miles over the posted limit can legally justify a traffic stop. While most drivers might receive a warning or a modest fine for minor speeding infractions, excessive speeds can result in substantial penalties, including:

• Hefty fines that increase with speed
• Multiple points on your driving record
• Mandatory court appearances
• Potential license suspension
• Insurance premium increases

How a Traffic Attorney Can Help: Experienced traffic attorneys understand the technical aspects of speed detection and can identify procedural errors or equipment calibration issues that might make your ticket dismissible. They can often negotiate reduced charges or participate in diversion programs that keep points off your record.

Why You Should Fight Your Traffic Ticket with TicketVoid.com

Many drivers simply pay their tickets without realizing the long-term consequences or understanding that many citations can be successfully challenged. At TicketVoid.com, we connect drivers with experienced traffic attorneys who understand local courts, procedures, and defenses for all types of traffic violations.

Our network of qualified traffic attorneys can help:

• Potentially dismiss your ticket completely through legal challenges
• Reduce fines and penalties through negotiation with prosecutors
• Keep points off your driving record to protect your license status
• Prevent insurance premium increases that often far exceed ticket costs
• Save you time by appearing in court on your behalf in many cases
• Provide peace of mind knowing a professional is handling your case

Our simple matching process takes just minutes:

1. Fill out our free consultation form with basic details about your ticket
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4. Make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case

Don’t let a traffic ticket impact your driving record, insurance rates, or even your job prospects. With TicketVoid.com, you’re just a few clicks away from connecting with an attorney who can help protect your rights and potentially save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in long-term costs.

Take action now! Fill out our consultation form or call us today to connect with a traffic attorney who can evaluate your case for free – with absolutely no obligation.