9 Driving Mistakes That Are Basically Criminal
We all make mistakes, and I’d say most of us have probably gotten a ticket at one point or another. However, some “mistakes” on the road are much more careless than others. Some are borderline criminal. At the end of the day, your actions behind the wheel can have some serious consequences, landing you in court, increasing your insurance rates, and potentially putting lives at risk. Here are nine driving mistakes that can land you in serious trouble.
1. Speeding in a School Zone
School zones exist for a reason: kids are unpredictable, fast-moving, and often invisible behind parked cars. Speeding in these areas isn’t just a bad idea—it’s a criminal offense in many states. Fines are often doubled, and repeat offenses can lead to license suspension or even jail time. Speeding when kids are present shows a disregard for community safety, which judges take seriously. It’s not worth shaving a few minutes off your commute.
2. Driving Under the Influence (Even “Just a Little”)
Even one drink can impair your judgment behind the wheel, and police don’t care if you feel fine. DUI laws are strict, and blood alcohol : 123rf.comlevels aren’t the only factor—if your driving is impaired at all, you’re at risk. Getting caught can lead to thousands in legal fees, license suspension, mandatory education, and jail time. And if you injure or kill someone, your life changes forever. Don’t risk it—if you drink, don’t drive, period.
3. Fleeing the Scene of a Fender Bender
Hit-and-run incidents are far more common than people admit, especially in parking lots. Even if the damage seems minor, leaving without reporting it is a criminal offense. Most states require you to leave a note or report the incident to police. Cameras are everywhere, so chances are you’ll get caught anyway. Own up, do the right thing, and avoid making a bad situation worse.
4. Using Your Phone While Driving
Texting, scrolling, or even holding your phone while driving is illegal in most states. Hands-free laws are in place because distracted driving causes thousands of accidents and fatalities each year. Yet some people still treat traffic lights like texting stations. Fines for this behavior are steep, and repeated offenses can lead to license points or suspension. Put the phone down—it can wait.
5. Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
We’ve all been frustrated in traffic, but acting on that frustration can be criminal. Tailgating, brake-checking, yelling threats, or cutting people off on purpose are all considered aggressive driving behaviors. Many states treat these actions as misdemeanors or worse, especially if there’s damage or injury. Road rage can escalate quickly and unpredictably. It’s not worth the risk to your record—or your life.
6. Running Red Lights
It might seem harmless when you’re in a rush, but running a red light is incredibly dangerous and completely illegal. T-bone collisions caused by this are some of the deadliest types of crashes. Red light cameras are increasingly common, and fines aren’t cheap. If a police officer sees it, you may be charged with reckless driving. Stop signs and red lights exist to protect lives—don’t treat them like suggestions.
7. Driving Without Insurance
Driving without valid insurance might feel like you’re getting away with something, but it’s a crime in nearly every state. If you cause an accident, you could be personally responsible for tens of thousands in damage. Even if you’re not at fault, lack of insurance can lead to license suspension and criminal charges. It’s not just a bad idea—it’s financially and legally reckless. If you can afford a car, you should budget for the insurance too.
8. Illegal Street Racing
Movies like Fast & Furious may glamorize it, but street racing is not only dumb—it’s criminal. These events often take place in populated areas, with little to no safety measures in place. Getting caught can result in vehicle impoundment, jail time, and even felony charges if someone gets hurt. It also puts innocent people at risk who never signed up for the danger. Save the speed for legal tracks—not neighborhoods or highways.
9. Driving Without a License or With a Suspended One
Believe it or not, people do this more than you’d expect. Whether it’s due to forgetfulness or rebellion, driving without a valid license is a serious offense. Police won’t just give you a warning—they can impound your car and arrest you on the spot. It’s a clear sign of negligence and disrespect for the law. If your license is suspended, there’s a reason—and ignoring it only makes things worse.
Bad Habits Can Become Legal Nightmares Fast
It doesn’t matter if you think it’s not a big deal. These mistakes are crucial violations that can follow you for years, costing you a lot of money (or even landing you in jail). The rules of the road exist for a reason, and one little “slip-up” can ruin your record.
Have you ever made one of these mistakes behind the wheel—or seen someone else do it? Share your story in the comments and let’s talk about it!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.