Police officers conducted a High-Visibility Enforcement operation on Wednesday along East Yale Loop and West Yale Loop, according to the Irvine Police Department.
During this operation, 53 citations were issued, including 21 for stop sign violations, 15 for cell phone use while driving, and five for failing to obey traffic control signs.
Stop sign violations are a leading cause of traffic collisions in this area, and we’re committed to reducing these incidents.
Here’s a summary of the penalties drivers face in Irvine, CA for the cited violations:
1. Stop Sign Violations
- Fine: Around $238
- DMV Points: 1 point
- Insurance: May increase your premium
2. Cell Phone Use While Driving
- First Offense: About $162
- Second Offense (within 3 years): Higher fine + 1 DMV point
- Applies to: Holding a phone while talking, texting, or using apps (unless hands-free)
3. Disobeying Traffic Control Signs
- Fine: Around $238
- DMV Points: 1 point
- Insurance: Can raise your rates
Too many points on your record can lead to license suspension. Traffic school may help keep points off your public record.
Here’s a summary of how traffic tickets can affect car insurance costs in Irvine, CA:
1. Average Impact of a Ticket
- A single ticket can raise your insurance by 20% to 39%.
- That’s about $1,100 to $1,200 more per year.
- The increase usually lasts 3 to 5 years.
2. Irvine-Specific Example
- Before a ticket: Average annual premium is $2,502.
- After a ticket: It jumps to about $3,693.
- That’s an increase of $1,191 per year.
3. Multiple Violations
- More tickets = bigger increases.
- Some drivers may see rates go up by 50% or more.
- Some insurance companies might even drop coverage.
4. Differences by Insurance Company
- GEICO: ~$1,075 increase
- State Farm: ~$1,370 increase
- Farmers: ~$1,189 increase