Driving Safe: What Is a Moving Violation and Why Your Mover’s Record Matters
Driving is a fundamental part of life, but it comes with a strict set of responsibilities. Breaking traffic rules while your vehicle is being operated is called a moving violation. Understanding the definition of a moving violation is essential for every driver.
Critically, for a professional moving company like All Cal Moving, maintaining a clean driving record is a non-negotiable part of providing reliable, professional service.
Defining an Operational Traffic Violation
A moving violation is a breach of any traffic law that occurs when a vehicle is actively being driven or is in motion. These violations are distinct from non-moving violations, which typically involve issues like expired registration, faulty equipment, or parking. Because a moving violation is committed while in operation, it poses a direct risk to the safety of others on the road.
For instance, speeding, which is the most common infraction, compromises the safety of everyone sharing the road. Ignoring a stop sign or a red light is a clear example of what is a moving violation, and such actions can lead to devastating accidents. For our professional drivers, this commitment to safe operation is central to every job, from a small local delivery to our extensive long-distance moving service.
The Serious Ramifications for Professional Drivers
The consequences of receiving a moving violation are significant for all drivers, but they carry an extra layer of impact for professional movers. A moving violation can affect your insurance rates and lead to license suspension. These outcomes directly influence a company’s ability to operate efficiently and reliably.
Protecting Your Move and Our Fleet
Professional moving companies, especially those licensed in California, must adhere to strict state regulations regarding commercial vehicle operation. If our drivers accumulate too many points on their driving record, it can jeopardize their ability to transport your valuable possessions. Our commitment to safety is a key differentiator in our services, whether providing dedicated Commercial Moving support or handling sensitive residential relocations.
Regulatory Compliance and Trust
As a licensed mover, All Cal Moving is required to comply with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) and other state regulations. A moving violation can undermine a driver’s required standing and the company’s overall compliance record.
We take pride in navigating these complex rules to ensure your move is legal and compliant from start to finish. You can learn more about these standards on the website of the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS).
Common Driving Infractions to Avoid
Moving infractions cover a broad spectrum of unsafe driving behaviors. By knowing the most common offenses, we can all contribute to safer streets. Avoiding these is vital for the safety of both our team and the community.
- Excessive Speeding: Driving over the legal speed limit is the most frequent violation. It greatly increases the risk of any accident.
- Failing to Stop: This offense includes rolling through stop signs or running red lights. Ignoring these signals is a major cause of collisions.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Changing lanes without proper signaling or adequate clearance is a dangerous operational violation. This can confuse other drivers and lead to critical incidents.
- Driving Distracted: Using a mobile phone or engaging in other distracting activities behind the wheel is a severe form of what is a moving violation.
All Cal Moving: Built on Professionalism and Compliance
The story of All Cal Moving is rooted in professionalism, starting with our founder, Steve Torres, who had over 30 years of moving experience before starting the company. He instilled core values of work ethic, professionalism, and kindness in the company’s development.
Our team, including co-founder Hector Torres, has a history of growing the business responsibly, adding trucks and employees while adhering to the growing number of government rules in the industry.
Our mission statement is simple: to continue to provide reliable and professional moving services. We achieve this by ensuring our trucks are compliant with California Air Services regulations and that our drivers understand what is a moving violation and the importance of a clean record.
This dedication to excellence is why clients trust us with their moves, whether it’s a detailed Residential Moving job or assisting our valued Senior Moving clients. We are proud to be licensed by the California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA)
The Final Decision: Professionalism and Communication
The best choice hinges on more than just logistics; it’s about the movers’ professionalism and communication. A good moving company should be polite, honest, and treat your belongings with respect. They should maintain open communication throughout the entire process.
Check if the company background-checks their employees to ensure safety and integrity. Choosing professionals who are both reliable and kind will lead to a smooth move. With the right professional Furniture Movers, your relocation can be a success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a moving violation stay on my driving record in California?
In California, most minor moving violations typically stay on your driving record for three years from the date of the violation. More serious infractions, like a DUI, can remain on your record for up to 10 years.
Can attending traffic school prevent points from being added to my record?
Yes, for minor moving violations in California, you may be eligible to attend a court-approved traffic school. Successfully completing the course generally prevents the conviction from being reported to your insurance company and prevents the points from affecting your record.
What is the difference between a moving and a non-moving violation?
A moving violation occurs while a vehicle is in motion or being operated and involves breaking a traffic law (e.g., speeding). A non-moving violation relates to the vehicle itself, such as parking violations or expired registration tags.
Does a moving violation increase my auto insurance premium?
In almost all cases, yes, a moving violation will increase your auto insurance premium. Insurance companies view these infractions as evidence of higher risk, leading to a premium increase that can last for several years.
Is distracted driving considered a criminal moving violation?
While many jurisdictions initially treat distracted driving (like texting) as a standard infraction, repeated offenses or a distraction that causes a serious accident can elevate the charge to reckless driving or a misdemeanor, which are criminal moving violations.