What common traffic violation results in 3 points on the driving record?

Running through a stop sign is a significant traffic violation because it directly endangers both the driver and other road users. This action demonstrates a failure to comply with traffic control devices, which are designed to ensure safety at intersections where vehicles and pedestrians may cross paths. The 3-point penalty attached to this violation reflects its serious nature, as it can lead to accidents and injuries.

The other violations listed, while also serious, may carry different penalties or point values. For example, speeding in a school zone or using a handheld device might have varying consequences based on specific circumstances or laws in different jurisdictions. Driving with expired tags typically results in administrative penalties rather than points. Each state sets its own point system and consequences, but running a stop sign is widely recognized as a violation that warrants a specific point assessment due to its potential to cause severe accidents.