Moving traffic violations are violations committed by the driver or operator of a motor vehicle while the vehicle is moving—such as exceeding the speed limit, failing to stop at a stop sign or red light, failing to yield when required, making an illegal or improper turn, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI).

In contrast, nonmoving violations are usually violations that occur when a vehicle is not moving (parking violations) or not required to be moving (mechanical violations) to constitute a violation—such as expired license plates/tags; parking in front of a fire hydrant, in a no parking zone, or in a place that blocks a sidewalk; a cracked windshield; a broken taillight; or an illegal window tint (too dark).

Laws vary from state to state but the fines and penalties for nonmoving violations are usually less serious than for moving violations. Some nonmoving violations (usually vehicle mechanical problems) that are correctable may be dismissed if the driver fixes the problem within a short, specified period and shows proof the mechanical problem was fixed. And in many states nonmoving violations may not cause penalty points to be added to your driver's license or record.

In Washington State, moving traffic violations encompass offenses such as speeding, running a stop sign or red light, failing to yield, making illegal turns, and driving under the influence (DUI). These violations are considered more serious and can result in fines, points on the driver's license, increased insurance rates, and even suspension or revocation of driving privileges. DUI offenses carry particularly severe penalties, including mandatory jail time, fines, license suspension, and the requirement of an ignition interlock device. Nonmoving violations, on the other hand, typically involve issues related to parking or vehicle maintenance, such as expired tags, illegal parking, or equipment malfunctions like a broken taillight. The penalties for nonmoving violations are generally less severe and may include fines or orders to remedy the issue. Some nonmoving violations can be dismissed upon proof of correction. Unlike moving violations, nonmoving violations in Washington State often do not result in points against the driver's license. However, the accumulation of certain types of nonmoving violations can still impact a driver's record and may lead to increased insurance premiums.