What is considered a criminal violation while driving?

Driving while intoxicated is classified as a criminal violation because it poses a significant risk to public safety. It indicates that a driver has a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, which impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to dangerous driving behavior. Law enforcement takes such violations seriously due to the potential for severe accidents and injuries, resulting in legal repercussions such as fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

In contrast, while other options like speeding, running a red light, and not wearing a seatbelt can lead to traffic citations, they are typically classified as civil infractions rather than criminal offenses. These infractions may incur fines or points on a driving record but do not carry the same legal consequences that come with a criminal charge, such as a potential jail sentence or a criminal record.