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 Massachusetts, moving traffic violations encompass offenses such as speeding, running a stop sign or red light, failing to yield, making illegal turns, and operating under the influence (OUI), which is the term used in MA instead of DUI/DWI. These violations can result in fines, points on the driver's license, increased insurance rates, and even suspension or revocation of driving privileges depending on the severity and frequency of the offenses. Nonmoving violations in Massachusetts typically involve parking infractions or vehicle compliance issues, such as expired registration tags, parking in prohibited areas, or having equipment defects like a broken taillight. The penalties for nonmoving violations are generally less severe than for moving violations and often involve fines. Some nonmoving violations related to vehicle defects can be dismissed if corrected within a specified timeframe and proof of repair is provided to the court. Unlike moving violations, nonmoving violations in Massachusetts do not usually add points to a driver's license but can still impact a driver's record and may affect vehicle registration or inspection status.