Traffic violations typically form the legal basis for the police to stop a motor vehicle an initiate a DUI investigation.  The traffic violation that was the basis of your motor vehicle stop could be anything and does not need to be indicative of impaired operation of a motor vehicle.  Typical motor vehicle violations that are issued in Rhode Island DUI cases include laned roadway violations, speeding, time when lights required, and failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle.  In addition to these moving violations, non-moving violations can also be used to initiate a motor vehicle stop.  Some of these non-moving violations can include inspection sticker violations, license plate violations, and tint violations.

**AN IMPORTANT WORD OF CAUTION**
Occasionally, the police will issue traffic violations in a Rhode Island DUI case which provides the defendant with the ability to pay the tickets by mail.  DO NOT PAY YOUR TICKETS BY MAIL.  Paying tickets by mail is an ADMISSION OF GUILT THAT CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU in your Rhode Island DUI case.  Regardless of how you intend to proceed with the defense of your Rhode Island DUI case, you should not admit to the traffic violations until your DUI case has been resolved.  This is especially true if you intend to hire an attorney to assist you with the case as he can most likely handle the tickets without you even needing to appear in court.

Where is my Court date for my Traffic Tickets?

Near the bottom of your Rhode Island traffic ticket there is a considerable amount of important information.  First, the ticket will indicate the location of your Rhode Island traffic court hearing.  There are two locations for traffic court hearings in Rhode Island, one in Cranston and one in Wakefield.  Second, the ticket will indicate the date and time of the hearing.  While it is always important to arrive for your court appearance on time and the tickets indicate 8:30 a.m., most Rhode Island traffic courtrooms usually begin at about 9 a.m.