Britannica Sources used in this answer

What kinds of cases are handled by traffic courts?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Wood-paneled courtroom with judge's bench, American and Nevada flags, wooden chairs and tables, and a mounted animal head above the bench in the Esmeralda County courthouse, Goldfield, Nevada. — Court Judge's bench in a courtroom in Nevada, U.S.

Traffic courts are specialized courts of limited jurisdiction that handle petty prosecutions and minor offenses related to the use of motor vehicles and highways.12

These courts primarily process:
* Moving violations: Such as speeding.2
* Parking violations: Including improper parking.2
* Regulatory infractions: Violations of local ordinances, statutes, and regulations governing motor vehicle use.1

Traffic courts are characterized by a high volume of cases and summary procedures, meaning that contested trials are relatively infrequent.2