Backed Up On Shoulder or Roadway of Highway: Fines, Traffic Points And Defense

In a marked area, drivers must maintain forward driving. If you back up on a shoulder or roadway of a highway, you could face penalties. Backing up on a freeway is any backward movement in an area where forward motion is only allowed. Backing up could cause significant injuries, or death, to other drivers who do not expect this movement. While not a specific law in many states, backed up on the shoulder or roadway of a highway is a moving violation.

Fines And Penalties

Backing up on the shoulder or roadway may warrant the issuing of a moving violation charge. Fines may occur. Some state fines are as low as $50 while others are much higher. As a moving violation, any significant damage done to another vehicle could warrant additional fines and points.

Points and Impact on Driving Record/License

If you back up on a highway, this will result in a ticket. It may add up to two points to your license, depending on the state's laws. If you obtain eight points over a two-year period (in most states), you may lose your license. If there is any resulting injury or destruction of personal property directly occurring due to your moving violation, this can increase the number of points added to your license.

Hiring a Lawyer

If you have received a moving violation ticket, it is best to use an attorney to help you to fight the charge in a court of law. The lawyer can help mitigate damage and in some cases request a lower charge, which may mean keeping the points off your license. In turn, this keeps your insurance costs low and results in lower fees you have to pay. This is especially true of situations where there is property or personal damage.

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