One of the most frequent questions we receive from students and R.T.s is, “Do I have to report a speeding, parking, seatbelt, or similar traffic ticket to ARRT?”

The answer:

• Yes, if the violation is a felony or misdemeanor
• Yes, if the violation involved drugs or alcohol
• No, if the violation wasn’t classified as a felony or misdemeanor and if it didn’t involve drugs or alcohol

Be aware: a growing number of jurisdictions now classify ordinary traffic tickets as misdemeanors. Because of that, more candidates and R.T.s receive tickets that they must report to ARRT. In most cases, you can find the classification of an offense online or by contacting the circuit court in the county where the violation occurred.

It’s your responsibility to find out if your ticket constitutes a misdemeanor or felony. If it does, report it to Ethics Requirements within 30 days of the occurrence. Just fill out this form.

The good news? Even though you must report traffic tickets that meet the criteria above, we typically don’t sanction people for minor traffic violations. You’re more likely to incur an ethics issue if you neglect to report such a ticket.