It has happened to many of us at one time or another. You’re riding down the highway, and you are into the song on the radio, talking to someone in the car, or just cruising along and then see police lights in your mirror. It turns out that you were speeding. If this is your first speeding ticket, it will have a few consequences, such as a fine and a possible insurance rate increase. If you make a habit of collecting speeding tickets, the consequences could be more severe.
Once you receive a speeding ticket or other traffic violation, your driving record will take a hit. The impact that this has will depend on how many offenses you have. Many states have a points system to track citations and infractions and to determine driving eligibility. The Department of Motor Vehicles, or similar departments in each state, assigns demerit points based on the violation type. The bigger the infraction, the higher the number of points. As an example, driving less than 15 mph over the speed limit in Pennsylvania garners three points, while driving over this will get you four points.
Besides legal fees and fines, the results of driver’s license points are typically higher insurance rates. Depending on how many points you accumulate, however, your license could be revoked or suspended. The impacts and duration of points on your record will vary based on your state and other factors. Let’s take a look at the impacts of speeding tickets on your record.
How long do tickets stay on your record?
So, how long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? East state sets rules for the length of time that a speeding infraction will impact your driving record. In general, however, minor infractions like low-level speeding tickets or failure to stop are typically maintained for around three years. If you get a speeding ticket in California, it will stay on your record for 39 months, but it will remain for five years in Virginia. However, a speeding ticket may stay on your record permanently in some states like Nevada, even after points disappear.
How long do points affect driving privileges?
Your driving privileges could be impacted depending on how many speeding tickets and points you accumulate. A person’s eligibility to drive is dictated by the regulations set by the DMV in each state. Some state laws set a more limited time frame for considering accumulated citations, convictions, or points for driving eligibility. There is a formula for how long infractions can affect driver’s licenses in states without a point system. Drivers in New York could have driving privileges impacted for 18 months as a result of accumulated points. The fourth moving violation in one year or the fifth over two years triggers a license suspension in Minnesota.
How is your insurance affected by speeding tickets?
Most states have laws that dictate the minimum amount of liability insurance that every driver must carry. Since liability doesn’t cover you or your car in an at-fault accident, many choose to purchase comprehensive and collision policies as well. The premium that you’ll pay for insurance will be impacted by your driving record and speeding tickets. Although auto insurers use more factors than just driver’s license points to determine rates, individuals with tickets and points could be labeled high-risk drivers. Auto insurers will increase car insurance rates for high-risk drivers with tickets and points.
Whether it’s your first offense or one of many, speeding tickets can be consequential for your driving record and your wallet. The impacts last well after the officer writes the citation, from fines and license points to increased insurance rates. Watching your speed and obeying traffic laws will help you maintain a clean driving record and lower insurance premiums.