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Most drivers have looked down at their speedometer at one point or another and realized they were accidentally driving well over the speed limit. Whether you're in a hurry or simply not paying enough attention, getting caught exceeding the speed limit can lead to an expensive ticket and other major consequences.
After you have the ticket, you may worry about how long it will remain on their driving record. Let’s explore the impact of a speeding ticket on your driving record and insurance rates, and we’ll share tips on how to minimize the long-term effects of a speeding ticket.
How does a speeding ticket affect your driving record?
When you receive a speeding ticket, the details of the violation (such as the location, date, and fine amount) are recorded on your driving record. This record is maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or an equivalent agency in your jurisdiction. This record contains information about all your past traffic violations, including speeding offenses.
In many jurisdictions, receiving a speeding ticket results in the addition of points to your driving record. The number of points assigned usually corresponds to the severity of the violation, such as how much you exceeded the speed limit by. Accumulating too many points within a certain period can lead to penalties or even the suspension of your driver's license.
In the state of New Jersey, for example, the record of your traffic violations is permanent. You get two points for going 14 MPH over speed limit, four points for going 15 to 29 MPH over speed limit, and five points for going 30 MPH or more over speed limit. Once you have six or more points, you are fined $50, and after 12 points your license is suspended. The state will remove three points for every 12 months you are violation free, and insurance companies that request your driving report only see the last five years of your record.
Having a speeding ticket on your record can also lead to consequences that affect your professional and financial life, especially when it comes to insurance premiums. Auto insurance companies often review your driving record when determining your insurance premiums and a speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates, as it signifies a higher risk of accidents that can lead to expensive claims for the insurance company.
Speeding tickets can impact your career prospects as well. Some employers, particularly those employing drivers, may check your driving record during the hiring process. A history of speeding tickets could potentially impact your chances of landing certain jobs.
How long will a ticket affect your insurance rate?
The duration for which a speeding ticket will affect your insurance rate varies depending on several factors, including your location, insurance company policies, and the severity of the violation. Typically, a speeding ticket can impact your insurance premiums for about three to five years.
During this time, the speeding ticket remains on your driving record, and insurance companies consider it to be an indicator of your risk as a driver. Since speeding tickets are associated with a higher likelihood of accidents and traffic violations, insurers may view you as a higher-risk driver, leading to increased premiums.
As time passes, the impact of the speeding ticket on your insurance rate gradually diminishes, especially if you maintain a clean driving record and avoid any further traffic violations. Insurance companies tend to prioritize recent driving behavior over older incidents when assessing risk.
How to lower your car insurance rate after a speeding ticket
Although a speeding ticket's impact on your insurance rate may be unavoidable initially, there are several steps you can take to eventually lower your premiums:
- Take a defensive driving course: Some insurance providers offer discounts if you take approved defensive driving courses. Completing such a course can demonstrate your commitment to safe driving and may lead to reduced insurance rates.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Avoiding any further traffic violations will improve your driving history and gradually decrease the impact of the speeding ticket on your insurance rate.
- Shop around for insurance: Different insurance companies have varying ways of assessing risk, so shopping around for quotes could lead you to a provider with more lenient policies for drivers with past speeding tickets.
- Ask for discounts: Most car insurance companies offer discounts to drivers, so it never hurts to find out which ones you may qualify for. If you’re still in school and get good grades, you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you have a car with advanced safety and security features, that could also lead to a discount.
- Bundle multiple policies: Some auto insurance providers also offer discounts to customers who buy more than one insurance policy through them, such as an auto and a homeowners insurance policy.
How to remove a speeding ticket from your record
Removing a speeding ticket from your driving record is a goal for many drivers, as it can help avoid long-term consequences such as increased insurance rates. However, achieving this outcome can be challenging, and the options available to you largely depend on the laws and regulations where you live.
That being said, these are some options drivers may have to remove a speeding ticket from their driving record:
- Attend traffic school: In certain jurisdictions, attending an approved traffic school may be an option for handling a speeding ticket. By successfully completing the traffic school course, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed or prevent points from being added to your driving record. This approach can be especially beneficial for drivers who have a relatively clean driving history and have not attended traffic school recently.
- Contest the ticket: If you genuinely believe that you were unjustly issued the speeding ticket, you have the right to contest it in court. Before choosing this option, carefully assess the circ*mstances surrounding the ticket and gather any evidence that supports your case. If successful, winning the court case would result in the ticket being removed from your record.
- Expunge the ticket: In certain jurisdictions, specific traffic violations, including some speeding tickets, can be expunged or removed from your driving record after a specified period, provided you maintain a clean driving history during that time. Expungement processes vary by location, and it's essential to understand the eligibility criteria and procedures applicable in your area.
Traffic tickets are a simple fact of life, even for careful drivers. But there are steps you can take to take the sting out of getting a moving violation.
This story was written by NJ Personal Finance, a partner of NJ.com. The information presented here is created independently from the NJ.com editorial staff, and purchases made through links in this article may result in NJ.com earning a commission.
