3/21/08

I Just Got My First Ticket. Will My Car Insurance Go Up?

Everybody makes mistakes. But, when it comes to driving a motor vehicle, mistakes that result in a ticket can cost you big time.

It’s important to realize that driving is not a right, it is a privilege. If you abuse the privilege, chances are you will end up with a suspended driver’s license. You’ll also end up with a lot of fines and attorney fees. In fact, some traffic infractions will land you in jail, such as drinking under the influence of drugs or alcohol or leaving the scene of an accident you were involved in.

Although each state has their own set of driving rules, most of the 50 states utilize the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) point system. It’s easy to find out the point system utilized in your home state. Simply visit the DMV website at www.dmv.org.

Typically one or two tickets for minor violations won’t land you in too much hot water. Depending on the violation, it may not even affect your car insurance. Things like rolling through a stop sign or expired license plates generally will not raise your insurance rates.

However, if the traffic ticket you received is due to reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident, your car insurance might be cancelled or the premium could increase substantially.

If your state utilizes the DMV point system, it’s important to realize that points remain on your driver’s license for three years. If you incur too many violation points within a certain period of time, your car insurance rates will increase. Worse yet, you could end up losing your license altogether.

Many of the common traffic violations have a point value assigned to them. Every time you receive a ticket, the points are deducted from your license. Generally, if you accrue 12 points within 12 months, your license will be suspended for 30 days. If you accrue 18 points within 18 months, your license will be suspended for 90 days. And, 24 points within 36 months will cause you to have your license suspended for one full year.

If you receive a ticket for leaving the scene of an accident with damage, or a speeding violation that results in an accident, six points will be deducted from your license. Typically, these types of violations will result in a car insurance premium increase.

If you receive a ticket for reckless driving, running a red light, exceeding the speed limit by 16 mph or more, or attempt to pass a school bus that has stopped; four points will be deducted from your license. Typically, these types of violations will result in a car insurance premium increase as well.


If you receive a ticket for exceeding the speed limit by 15 mph or less, violating child restraint regulations, or driving with an open container; three points will be deducted from your license.

Again, these will vary depending on the state in which you reside, but this generalization should help give you an idea of how the DMV point system works.

You can’t escape having violations reported to the DMV. However, there are a few things you can do to clean your driving record up.

If you receive a traffic ticket that results in points against your license, you might be able to attend a driver improvement course. Many states offer this course online and taking it can provide multiple benefits.

Typically, these classes take four hours to complete. However, if a judge orders you to enroll in a course, you may be required to participate in a course that lasts for eight hours.

By taking the driver improvement course, you will be eligible to receive a fine reduction, which might be as much as 18 percent. Additionally, no points will be deducted from your license, nor will your car insurance rates increase. This applies only if there was no accident associated with your traffic ticket.

Obviously, it’s best to observe and obey all traffic laws and avoid getting a ticket in the first place. However, if you do obtain a ticket, by all means visit the DMV website and educate yourself about the options available

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