It's easy to get stressed out by speeding tickets or traffic citations, especially if it's your first time through the motions. There's much to consider, such as paying for the ticket, driver's license points, a new mark on your driving history, and insurance rates.
What Happens When You Get A Speeding Ticket?
When in this situation, always remain level-headed and non-confrontational.
Your signature will be required when the officer returns from their car, along with your documentation and ticket. The signature doesn't function as a confession or anything like that; instead, it's a legal agreement that you have received the ticket and are responsible for resolving it.
Speeding ticket fines can really add up depending on the state and how far over the limit you were speeding.
In Illinois, you can expect a base fine from $75 for going 1 to 20 miles over the limit, and up to $95 for going 21 to 25 miles over the speed limit.
Fees, court costs and other charges will add to that making the total cost somewhere between $120-$250.
Texas is a different story, speeding ticket fines can be anywhere from $150 to $300 depending on the county you live in.
California, starts off less expensive at around $35 but then court costs and fees make it with a total bill anywhere from $230 to $500. If you miss the payment deadline on any of these fines the amount can double. If you don’t pay them at all you can get your driver's license suspended
How States Track Speeding Tickets
How they track your speeding tickets varies a lot from state to state.
In Illinois they just keep track of how many times you've been convicted of the speeding violation. They don’t use a point system, just a running tally of how many times you've been convicted. If you get three moving violations in any 12 months they will suspend your drivers license.
California does use a point system, with 1 point per speeding ticket. Criteria for California suspending your license is, four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months or eight points in 36 months.
Texas takes a different approach, tracking how many moving violations you get rather than giving you points. They'll suspend your license after four violations in 12 months or seven violations in 24 months.
Nevada gives you 1-5 points for each speeding offense and will suspend your license at 12 points in 12 months.
Georgia uses a points system too. 2 points for speeding 15-18 miles an hour over, and three points for speeding 19-23 over. If you get fifteen points in 24 months your license will be suspended.
What Are Ways to Resolve a Speeding Ticket?
There are three sure-fire ways to resolve a speeding ticket. Even if it's your first, the process remains constant. You can pay the ticket, fight it in court, or seek mitigation.
Pay the Ticket
Pay the fine for the ticket before or during its due date. Regardless of state, the instructions on paying are printed on the back of the citation. You can head to a traffic division location or pay through their website. It's as simple as that.
Fight in Court
You'd take a speeding ticket to court and fight it when you're sure you weren't speeding or the ticket is unjustified. People do this to lower the fine or prevent points to their license. It's not about excusing the ticket but minimizing the cost. You'd be expected to pay court fees and hire a lawyer.
There are specialized traffic attorneys. You can prepare for a traffic court hearing by knowing the circumstances of your ticket, asking to see the ticketing officer's paperwork, and knowing what device they used to track your speed. You can present these as evidence for your case.
Seek Mitigation
The third option you have is to seek mitigation. However, it works much better when it's your first speeding ticket or you haven't had one in several years. While you admit to the ticket, you explain the circumstances leading up to the citation. Some judges are lenient if you're a safe driver and could extend the time to pay it or lower the fine.
Take a Defensive Driving Course
One way around all this is to take a defensive driving course. These can get your ticket dismissed, court supervision or reduce the points in many states.
Illinois will let you take a 4 hour course to get your ticket dismissed once every 12 months. They only allow this if you only have one violation on your record.
Texas will let you take a 6 hour course every 12 months, costing $25-$50.
California's traffic school will keep the point off your driving record costing you $20-$75.
Georgia, Indiana and a few other states offer similar traffic school programs. Just check your state's DMV website for approved course providers.
Do Speeding Tickets Affect My Insurance?
Speeding tickets and any other kind of traffic violation will directly impact your insurance rates.
Getting your first speeding ticket will almost always increase your insurance premiums by 20-30%. That can differ a lot depending on which insurance company you have your policy with.
Progressive says its average premium increase for a single ticket is around 15% but State Farm and Allstate increase premiums more by 20-25%.
Getting multiple tickets in quick succession and you’ll be considered a high-risk driver and only a few insurance companies will provide you coverage. These are non-standard carriers like Dairyland, Bristol West, or The General. Their rates are going to be way higher than anyone else. Most insurance companies will look back at your driving record for 3 to 5 years when deciding how much to charge for your auto policy.
Does a First-time Speeding Ticket Affect Car Insurance?
If you're a first time offender then you have a few more options.
In Illinois you can try for "court supervision". They will keep your ticket off your record as long as you don’t receive any other infractions in the next 60-120 days.
A lot of the municipal courts in Texas will offer you a deferred disposition. That's when they dismiss the charges if you finish some probation and pay the court costs, usually $100-$200.
California's traffic school option is usually automatic for first-time speeders. You'll still have to pay the fee, around $20-$75. Either way, these alternatives will save you from having to pay the 20-30% insurance rate increase that comes with getting a ticket.
You should only contest citations in court if you genuinely feel you received one undeservedly. Otherwise, you'd be on the line for all sorts of court fees for nothing.
Just a few minutes of your time can get you a better rate on your auto insurance coverage. Contact Insurance Navy today for free cheap car insurance quotes. Call 888-949-6289 or visit us online to apply for a quote.