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Oklahoma Traffic Violations

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Awareness of traffic laws and violations is critical for maintaining safety and legal compliance on Oklahoma roads. By understanding these laws, drivers can adhere to state regulations, thereby promoting road safety and order.

In Oklahoma, traffic regulation is overseen by several key agencies. The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (OK DPS) manages driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and driving records alongside Service Oklahoma.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol enforces traffic laws on state highways and interstates. Municipal and county courts are responsible for processing and adjudicating traffic violations.

Traffic violations in Oklahoma carry significant consequences. A key consequence is the accumulation of points on a driving record, which can result in the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Additionally, violations often increase insurance premiums, as many insurance companies perceive these infractions as indicators of risky driving behavior. To avoid such outcomes, individuals must adhere to traffic laws and maintain safe driving practices.

What Are the Major Traffic Violations in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, major traffic violations are serious offenses that significantly affect road safety. These violations are divided into two types: moving infractions and non-moving infractions. Understanding these categories is crucial for recognizing their impact on traffic enforcement.

For non-moving traffic violations, the examples include:

These violations are typically administrative or related to vehicle maintenance and registration rather than vehicle operation on the road. On the other hand, a moving traffic violation involves an infraction committed while the vehicle is in motion, which directly endangers public safety.

Common categories of this violation include the following:

Oklahoma Felony Traffic Violations

In Oklahoma, felony traffic violations are serious offenses that exceed standard traffic infractions or misdemeanors, which results in more severe legal consequences. The intent, recklessness, or severe nature of the offense elevates it to a felony charge that could lead to more severe penalties like imprisonment, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.

These violations often involve actions that endanger public safety or cause significant harm, such as the following:

  • DUI with multiple prior convictions
  • Vehicular manslaughter
  • Hit and run resulting in serious injury or death
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer
  • Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license resulting in an accident
  • Vehicular assault

Felony offenses are categorized into degrees to reflect the seriousness of the crime and the appropriate level of punishment. First-degree felony traffic offenses are the most severe, often involving fatalities or significant injury, while second and third-degree felonies involve less severe but still serious misconduct.

The following are the fines for every degree in Oklahoma:

  • First-degree felony: up to $10,000
  • Second-degree felony: up to $5,000
  • Third-degree felony: up to $2,500

In Oklahoma, felony traffic violations are met with severe legal consequences, including significant prison time. These offenses carry imprisonment that ranges from 1 to 20 years, which depends on the severity and nature of the violation.

Oklahoma Traffic Misdemeanors

Traffic misdemeanors in Oklahoma are less severe than felony traffic violations but are still criminal offenses that can lead to legal consequences. It can result in fines, points on a driver's license, and up to one year of imprisonment. Here are some examples of traffic misdemeanors in Oklahoma:

In Oklahoma, there are distinctions in the penalties imposed and the seriousness of the violation. Minor traffic misdemeanors may result in lower fines and less severe penalties, while more serious misdemeanors can lead to higher fines and longer jail sentences. The penalties for traffic misdemeanors in Oklahoma are as follows:

  • Minor traffic misdemeanors: Fines typically range from $100 to $500
  • Moderate traffic misdemeanors: Fines can range from $500 to $1,000
  • Serious traffic misdemeanors: Fines can be up to $1,000 or more

Traffic misdemeanors in Oklahoma, while less severe than felonies, still carry considerable legal consequences, including potential jail time. Typically, incarceration for these offenses spans from a few days to a maximum of one year.

Oklahoma Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions in Oklahoma are minor violations of traffic laws that typically do not result in criminal charges. These infractions are generally considered civil offenses and are usually penalized with fines rather than jail time. The following are examples of traffic infractions in Oklahoma:

Minor infractions generally result in lower fines and fewer points on a driver's license, while repeated or more severe infractions can result in higher fines and additional penalties, such as mandatory driving courses or increased insurance premiums. Here is a general overview of the penalties for minor misdemeanors:

  • Minor infractions: Fines typically range from $50 to $150
  • Moderate infractions: Fines can range from $150 to $300
  • Severe infractions: Fines can range from $300 to $500

Suspended License Violations

In Oklahoma, driving with a suspended license is defined under Oklahoma Statutes 47 Section 6-303. This statute makes it illegal for an individual to operate a motor vehicle if their driver's license has been suspended by the Oklahoma DPS. The suspension could be due to unpaid fines, traffic violations, or other legal issues.

Penalties for driving with a suspended license in Oklahoma vary based on the circumstances. Under the mentioned law, a first offense is generally classified as a misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.

Additional consequences of driving with a suspended license in Oklahoma include an extension of the suspension period, increased insurance premiums, and complications in reinstating the driver's license.

Speeding Violations

Oklahoma DPS defined speeding as driving above the posted speed limit or at a speed deemed unsafe for road conditions. This includes driving faster than the maximum speed limits set by Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 11-801, which can vary but generally include 25 mph in residential areas and up to 75 mph on highways.

Penalties for speeding in Oklahoma are based on how much the driver exceeds the speed limit. For speeding 1 to 10 mph, the fine is approximately $100. If speeding is 11 to 15 mph, the fine can be around $150, with two points added to the driver's record. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 25 mph can result in fines of up to $500, with four points on the record.

Accumulating ten or more points on the driving record within five years can lead to a suspension of driving privileges. Additionally, repeated or severe speeding violations may result in higher insurance premiums and more serious legal repercussions if the speeding is considered reckless driving.

DUI Oklahoma Laws

In Oklahoma, a DUI is described under Oklahoma Statutes Title 47, Section 11-902. This law prohibits operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both to the extent that the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle is impaired. This includes any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs that affect the driver's faculties.

Charges for DUI in Oklahoma can vary based on factors such as the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), whether it is a first or subsequent offense and any aggravating circumstances. Specifically, the BAC limit for drivers 21 years and older is 0.08%, and the limit for commercial drivers is 0.04%.

First-time offenders may face up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, a 180-day license suspension, and may need to complete a substance abuse program and install an ignition interlock device.

Second-time offenders who commit a crime within ten years of their first conviction may face 1 to 5 years in prison, fines up to $2,500, and at least a year of license suspension. Third-time offenders who commit a crime within ten years face 1 to 10 years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and at least a three-year license suspension.

How Does Oklahoma's DMV Point System Work?

In Oklahoma, the DMV point system assigns points for every traffic violation. The point system helps manage driving records and is used to determine license eligibility and potential suspensions. The number of points depends on the severity of the infraction. For instance, speeding can result in 2 to 10 points, while a DUI can add 10 points or more to a driver's record.

To reduce the points, the state offers a reduction program where drivers must complete an approved defensive driving course.

Below is the list of points for every violation:

  • Reckless driving: 4 points
  • Failure to stop or remain stopped for a school bus loading or unloading: 4 points
  • Speed over 25 mph above posted limit: 3 points
  • Violation of license restriction: 2 points
  • Careless driving: 2 points
  • Speed: 2 points
  • Failure to obey a stop sign or traffic light: 2 points
  • Failure to yield the right of way: 2 points
  • Left of center or wrong way on one way: 2 points

If a driver accumulates ten or more points within five years, their license is subject to suspension. The suspension periods are as follows:

  • One month for a first suspension
  • Three months for a second
  • Six months for a third
  • 12 months for the fourth or subsequent suspension

How Long Do Points Stay on Oklahoma Driving Records?

Points stay on a driver's record for 24 months from the date of the offense. If a driver avoids any violations that add points to their record for 12 consecutive months, 2 points will be removed. If the driver maintains a clean record for three consecutive years, their total points will be reduced to zero.

Alternatively, to reduce points on a driving record, an individual must complete a six-hour Driver Improvement or Defensive Driving Course from approved Driver Education Schools, which will deduct 2 points from their record.

What Is the Process for Handling Traffic Tickets in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, when a driver receives a traffic citation, it details the violation, fine amount, and instructions for response. The driver must review the ticket to understand the charges.

There are several options for addressing the ticket. The driver can choose to pay the fine, which is considered an admission of guilt and can be done online, by mail, or in person at the designated court. Alternatively, if the driver wishes to contest the ticket, they must request a court date as outlined on the citation and prepare for a hearing.

In some cases, attending state-approved traffic school might be an option to mitigate the impact on their driving record.

If a court appearance is required, the driver must prepare their case by gathering evidence and presenting it on the scheduled court date. The judge will then determine the outcome, which could include fines, points on the driving record, or other penalties.

Following the court's decision, the driver must pay any imposed fines and comply with any additional penalties, such as attending traffic school or performing community service, if ordered. Additionally, the driver must check their driving record after resolving the ticket to guarantee that it reflects the correct updates.

Types of Traffic Tickets in Oklahoma

Oklahoma issues primarily three types of traffic citation tickets:

Parking Tickets

Parking tickets are issued for violations such as improper parking in fire lanes, failing to display valid license plates, or parking at red curbs. Local municipal or county law enforcement officers issue these tickets, and they are typically processed by municipal or county courts.

Infraction Tickets

Infraction tickets cover less severe traffic violations such as speeding, failure to use a turn signal, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving with expired registration. These tickets are typically issued by city police officers or highway patrol officers.

Misdemeanor Tickets

These citations are issued by law enforcement officers, including city police, county sheriff deputies, or state troopers, depending on the nature of the offense and the jurisdiction in which it occurred.

In summary, payment of these tickets is mandatory, as they are intended to enforce traffic rules and show compliance. If individuals ignore these tickets, it can result in additional legal consequences, such as higher fines or points on the driver's license.

How Are Accident Reports Handled in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, handling accident or collision reports involves a series of organized steps to verify correct documentation and effective processing.

When an accident occurs, law enforcement officers respond to the scene and collect crucial information, such as the details of the parties involved, witness statements, and evidence. They complete a written report that includes this information, which is then submitted to the local law enforcement agency.

Once submitted, the reports are reviewed and processed by the agency's records division. These reports are archived and made available to insurance companies, legal representatives, and involved parties upon request. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol and local police departments may also use these reports for data collection and safety analysis.

How To Get a Copy of a Collision Report in Oklahoma?

Following the completion of the report, drivers involved in the accident are usually provided with a copy or instructions on how to obtain one. Notably, reports can be obtained by submitting a request through Service Oklahoma, where the Collision Request for Records form must be completed. Reports can be requested through the following options:

Online

To request an accident report online in Oklahoma, individuals must complete the Collision Request for Records form and email it to sokrecords@service.ok.gov. After submitting the form electronically, users must pay the required fees by mail at Service Oklahoma, Business Support Services, P.O. Box 11415, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-0415.

By Mail

To obtain an accident report by mail, individuals must fill out the same form and send it by mail. Along with the form, a self-addressed stamped envelope must be included, and payment should be made via cashier's check, money order, or business check. Drivers must also note that the report may take up to 30 days to process.

In Person

In addition to requesting a collision report online and by mail, individuals can request it in person at Service Oklahoma's office, located at 6015 N Classen Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. The drivers must bring the completed form and payment in the form of money orders, business checks, cash, or credit/debit cards.

The fee for a standard accident report is $7, while a certified copy costs an additional $3, for a total of $10.

What Should Drivers Know about Traffic-Related Arrests in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, traffic-related arrests commonly occur due to violations such as DUI/DWI, excessive speeding, driving with a suspended license, and hit-and-run incidents. Other reasons include reckless driving, where a driver exhibits a willful disregard for safety, and driving without valid insurance, which can lead to arrest.

When law enforcement officers arrest a driver in Oklahoma, the process begins with the officer pulling the vehicle over after observing a traffic violation. As part of a police investigation, the driver must pull over safely, turn off the ignition and radio, and keep their hands visible.

If the officer decides to arrest the driver, the driver will be taken to a police station for booking. This process includes recording personal details, taking fingerprints, and conducting a medical examination if needed. Additionally, the driver will be held and may be eligible for bail, which is set by the court according to Oklahoma Statutes Title 22, Section 1101.

After bail is addressed, the arrestee will attend an arraignment, where they are formally charged and enter a plea. This hearing is conducted within a reasonable timeframe as outlined in Oklahoma Statutes Title 22, Section 431, which provides an opportunity for the individual to contest evidence, negotiate plea deals, or prepare for trial.

Throughout this process, the arrestee has the right to legal representation. If unable to afford an attorney, they can request a court-appointed lawyer, as guaranteed by Oklahoma Statutes Title 22, Section 1355.

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