Traffic Law Terminology

Common Terminology Related to Traffic Laws and Penalties

Moving Violation occurs when you break a law while your vehicle is in motion. In some states, if

you are stopped at an intersection but your vehicle is in drive, you are in motion.

Paperwork Violation occurs when your paperwork does not meet state requirements. License,

registration, or insurance not current or in compliance with the law.

Equipment Violation occurs when you have faulty equipment on your vehicle. Most states require

certain equipment and safety systems on vehicles to always be functional.

Warning Sometimes when you are stopped by law enforcement, you may not incur a fine.

The officer might explain why you were stopped and inform you what you need to do to correct

the problem.

-B-A-C– Blood alcohol content or blood alcohol concentration. -B-A-C- expresses the percent of

alcohol found in your system. Adult maximum 0.08% - Commercial Driver 0.04%

-D-U-I- Driving Under the Influence. Driver is found to be driving while under the influence of

drugs or alcohol. Other names for -D-U-I- are -O-U-I- operating under the influence, and -D-W-I-

driving while intoxicated.

Loss of Driving Privileges is when you are ordered not to drive because of an infraction you have

committed.

Under Suspension You lose your driving privileges but retain your physical license. When your

time of suspension is complete, you may have to undergo a review of your driving record or pay

reinstatement costs before you can resume driving.

Important Terminology continued

Revocation is more serious than suspension. You lose your driving privileges and your physical

license. When your revocation period is over, you will incur reinstatement fees and a review of

your driving record. You may need to go through the entire licensing process again before you

can drive. That includes undergoing new vision and road tests.

Hardship License. Available to some drivers whose licenses are under suspension or

revocation. You can drive to and from work, doctor appointments, and other events critical to

your daily living.

Primary Law. A law for which you can be stopped if you violate it. In other words, if law

enforcement observes you running a stop sign, you can be pulled over.

Secondary Law. You cannot be stopped for violating a secondary law only. You must have been

stopped for breaking a primary law to be pulled over. At that point, if you are found to also have

violated a secondary law, you can be cited.

Controlled Substance. A substance that is regulated by law. It is often associated with drugs or

anything that can affect your health and well being.

Implied Consent. When you obtain a driver’s license you agree to undergo drug or alcohol

testing. If a law enforcement officer suspects that you are under the influence , they can ask you

to submit to a drug or alcohol test. Under the implied consent law, you must submit to testing.

Refusing to do so carries penalties.

-I-I-D- or -C-I-I-D– Certified Ignition Interlock Device. This device is installed in vehicles operated by those convicted of -D-U-I-. The -I-I-D- is connected to vehicle ignition and power systems. An operator must blow into the device before starting a vehicle. If traces of alcohol are detected on the driver’s breath, the vehicle will not start. The operator must also blow into the -I-I-D- at random intervals to show there are still no traces of alcohol in the driver’s system.