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Moving Violations

Moving Violations

A crash course in traffic school.

198590 minPG-13Midcredits score: 35th percentile of all films
Director
Neal Israel
Starring
John Murray, Jennifer Tilly, James Keach, Brian Backer

A group of careless and unlucky drivers are sentenced to attend traffic school to keep their records clean.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Moving Violations?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list Moving Violations on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Moving Violations?

Moving Violations earns 3 badges, led by Fun and Preferred by Users.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Moving Violations worth watching?

Moving Violations' Midcredits score is the 35th percentile of all films, from 6.7K ratings across 5 sources. 41% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

35th percentile

Better received than 35% of films

38th percentile among Comedy36th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)31st
Approval (how many liked it)39th

56 /100

31st percentile of all films

33rd percentile among Comedy31st percentile among 1980s

Critics 24 · Audience 58

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.1 — solid but not unanimous.

Approval

How many liked it

41% liked it

39th percentile of all films

43rd percentile among Comedy41st percentile among 1980s
41% rated it 7–1059% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

76th percentile

6.7K ratings across platforms

73rd percentile among Comedy73rd percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 34% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$3.5M
Domestic gross$11M
Worldwide gross$11M

74th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

It is a broad, plot-thin 80s slapstick comedy in the Police Academy mold.

Fans praised

  • goofy slapstick and visual gags in the Police Academy vein
  • energetic ensemble of 80s character actors including Fred Willard and Nedra Volz
  • playfully absurd tone that never pretends to be serious

Detractors panned

  • John Murray's unfunny Bill Murray imitation lacks charisma
  • derivative and formulaic — a Police Academy retread without laughs
  • mentally inert, second-hand humor aimed at undemanding teens

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

supporting players like Fred Willard, Nedra Volz, and Wendie Jo Sperber earn laughs; John Murray is a pale imitation of his brother

HumorDivisive50

broad slapstick and sight gags divided audiences; fans find it hysterical, detractors call it juvenile and unfunny

CharactersDivisive45

forgettable misfit archetypes — blind old lady, hypochondriac, gore fan — but little development

Pacing45

rapid-fire gags work for fans, but lulls and a weak ending hurt

DialogueDivisive35

one-liners often fall flat; occasional witty exchanges like the doctor/mechanic misunderstanding

Ending30

predictable chase finale and anticlimactic resolution

Plot and story20

barely-there story serves only as a gag framework

Originality15

a Police Academy clone with recycled gags and setups

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 14 points higher than critics.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 11 points higher than non-US viewers.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 8 points apart

Watch experience

What is Moving Violations like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Easy laugh: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something light that makes you laugh and does not take itself seriously.

It never lets up and leaves you entertained. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Easy laugh.

Moods
AbsurdJoyful
Heaviest: late
Absurdist humor: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.
Register
Absurdist · 7% of films: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Playful
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film is a broad, farcical comedy that revels in its own absurdity and silliness, never taking itself seriously.
The rideThe film maintains a consistently silly and energetic tone, with peaks of manic comedy during the final chase.
StructureStandard comedy setup: introduction of characters and conflict, escalating pranks, and a final chaotic confrontation.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Entertained.

FunFeel-good
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer amused and entertained without any lingering emotional weight.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).ComedyFarce
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11% (this title): Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% (this title) · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Farce: Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).

11% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeA group of bad drivers sentenced to traffic school band together to get back at their cruel instructors through a series of escalating pranks.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRevengeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% (this title) · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% (this title) · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Revenge · 4% of filmsCommunity · 14% of films: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Ensemble lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores revenge against oppressive authority while the misfits bond into a makeshift family.
StanceThe film satirizes traffic school and police authority, treating them as absurd obstacles to be overcome through mischief.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalRealistic
PopRockForeground music · hybrid · Ralph Burns
SettingA traffic school run by corrupt police officers in a small American town.
MusicThe film features an upbeat 80s pop soundtrack including the theme song 'Moving Violations'.

Content guide

Is Moving Violations okay for kids?

PG-13

Moving Violations is rated PG-13. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (33/100), sexual content at minimal (11/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at minimal (0/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • Brazil14
  • SpainTP
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (7 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Moving Violations have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Moving Violations?

Cast

John Murray
as Dana Cannon
Jennifer Tilly
as Amy Hopkins
James Keach
as Deputy Halik
Brian Backer
as Scott Greeber
Ned Eisenberg
as Wink Barnes
Clara Peller
as Emma Jean
Wendie Jo Sperber
as Joan Pudillo
Nedra Volz
as Mrs. Loretta Houk
Fred Willard
as Terrence 'Doc' Williams
Lisa Hart Carroll
as Deputy Virginia Morris

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Moving Violations?

Movies like Moving Violations include Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986), Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987) and Bachelor Party (1984). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Neal Israel, and all are farces.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

8 of these 12 share its feel: satire. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Moving Violations?

774 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: police officer. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.