Traffic Violation Terms and Definitions

Centerline A pavement marking used to separate traffic traveling in opposite directions. A centerline need not be at the geometrical center of the pavement. Collision With Object Not Fixed A motor vehicle in transport strikes a pedestrian, pedalcycle, railway vehicle, animal, motor vehicle in transport, parked motor vehicle, falling, work zone/maintenance equipment, other moveable object or is struck by falling, shifting cargo or anything set in motion by a motor vehicle. Centerline, Double A double centerline indicates that passing is prohibited. Commercial Motor Vehicle Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle (1) has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of more than 10,000 lbs or 4,536 kg or (2) used for commercial transport of more than 8 passengers (including the driver); or (3) is used for non-commercial transport of more than 15 passengers, including the driver; or (4) is used in transporting material found by the Secretary of Transportation to be hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and transporting in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations prescribed by the Secretary under 49 CFR, subtitle B, chapter I, subchapter C. Authorized Speed Limit Authorized speed limit for the motor vehicle at the time of the crash. The authorization may be indicated by the posted speed limit, blinking sign at construction zones, etc. Driver License Restrictions Restrictions assigned to an individual's driver license by the license examiner, e.g. daytime driving only. Booster Seat A "belt-positioning seat" that positions a child on a vehicle seat to improve the fit of the lap and shoulder seat belt system. This seat is recommended for children who weigh 40 pounds or more. Alignment The geometric characteristics or layout of a roadway. Alignment is usually subdivided into horizontal alignment. Includes straight, curve left, curve right. Hit and Run Crashes where the vehicle, or the driver of the vehicle, in transport is a contact vehicle in the crash, and departs the scene without stopping to render aid. Alcohol/ Involvement Law enforcement suspected, and documented, that at least one driver or non-motorist involved in the crash had used alcohol. Includes both alcohol use under the legal limit and at or over the legal limit.

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	Did You Know?
	A subpoena is a court order to appear or bring information to a court proceeding. The target of the subpoena can object to the order, and a case within a case can evolve that deals solely with the subpoena. A subpoena has to be "served" on the party being ordered to produce information or testimony. Anyone can serve a subpoena, as long as they are not directly involved in the litigation. Along with the expense, another downside of subpoenas is that the information is usually not produced until the time of trial. For purposes of developing a defense it is desirable to have all relevant information well before your trial.