Traffic Infractions FAQ

Straightforward answers to the questions that come up most about traffic tickets and infractions in Kittitas and Yakima Counties. Every case is different — these are general answers, not legal advice for your specific situation.

No. A traffic infraction (like most speeding tickets) is a civil matter, not a criminal charge — it won't give you a criminal record on its own. That's different from criminal traffic charges like reckless driving or DUI, which are misdemeanors or worse.

A mitigation hearing lets you explain the circumstances to try to reduce the fine, but it still results in a finding that you committed the infraction — which still goes on your driving record. Contesting the ticket gives you a chance to have it dismissed outright, which matters more if you're trying to protect your insurance rates or a commercial license.

Often, yes — insurers frequently raise rates after a moving violation shows up on your driving record, and the increase can outlast the ticket itself by several years. This is one of the main reasons it's often worth contesting a ticket rather than just paying it.

A moving violation happens while the vehicle is in motion — speeding, failure to yield, running a red light. A non-moving violation involves a stationary vehicle, like a parking ticket or an equipment violation. Moving violations are the ones that typically affect insurance rates and driving records more significantly.

Ignoring it doesn't make it go away — unpaid or unanswered tickets typically lead to additional penalties, and can eventually result in a suspended license or a warrant. It's always better to respond by the deadline, even if you plan to contest it. See our driver's license suspension FAQ for how that specific suspension works and what it takes to fix it.

Yes, and often more severely than for a regular license — federal rules impose stricter consequences on CDL holders for certain violations, sometimes from infractions that wouldn't matter much on a standard license. If you drive commercially, it's worth taking even a routine-looking ticket seriously.

Yes — an attorney can review whether the stop and citation were handled correctly, represent you at a contested hearing so you don't have to navigate it alone, and help you understand whether contesting is worth it given what's actually at stake (insurance, a CDL, or accumulating points).

Call (509) 293-7593 for a free consultation about your traffic ticket in Ellensburg, Yakima, or the surrounding area.