If you’ve ever received a traffic ticket while driving, you may have wondered what the difference is between a speeding ticket and a ticket. In fact, the terms can be used interchangeably. Bankrate explains what to do if you receive a traffic ticket and how to lower your insurance premiums if you have a traffic violation on your driving record.
The difference between an accusation and a ticket
If you are stopped by a police officer for violating a traffic law, there is no difference between a citation and a ticket. Both are actions the police take to record a violation you have committed. You may receive a ticket while driving, for example, speeding, or even when you are not driving, for example, illegally parking next to a fire hydrant. Generally, a citation carries a penalty, which can include court appearances, fines, and even jail time for serious violations.
Violation tickets, traffic violations, speeding tickets
As mentioned above, if you know what a charge is, you also know what a ticket is. These terms refer to the same thing. There are two categories of tickets/charges: moving violations and non-moving violations. The terms are self-explanatory. Moving violations refer to tickets you receive while driving, while non-moving violations can happen while your car is parked.
Traffic violations
- Speeding: Driving faster than the posted speed limit can not only land you a speeding ticket, but it can also increase your insurance premiums.
- If you run a red light or stop sign: Penalties for these traffic violations may vary depending on the state you live in and whether your actions caused the accident.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI): Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most serious traffic violations. In most states, it will remain on your driver’s license for 5 to 10 years. In other states, a DUI will remain on your motor vehicle record forever. Either way, it will almost certainly affect the cost of your car insurance.
- Reckless Driving: You can receive this ticket if you knowingly drive in a manner that is unsafe. For example, if you are caught street racing, you could receive a ticket for reckless driving. Reckless driving can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and other severe penalties.
- If you have no signal: Letting the driver behind you know when you’re turning can help you avoid a collision. It’s the law, and failing to signal can get you a ticket.
Non-Moving Violation
- Parking violations: If you park in a space where you are not allowed, such as next to a fire hydrant or in a no parking zone, you may receive a ticket.
- Registration expired: If you are caught driving with an expired registration, or if you are parked and found to have expired license plates, you could be issued a ticket, which could also lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and heavy fines.
- Facility Violation: This can happen if your car isn’t properly equipped to operate, for example, if it has broken headlights, a noisy exhaust system, or non-working brake lights.
- If you are unable to provide proof of insurance: If you are stopped for another reason or are involved in an accident and cannot provide proof of insurance, you could be ticketed, which could also lead to the suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and even license plates.
- Tinted Windows: Some jurisdictions have laws regarding window tinting and how dark it can be. Violating these laws can result in fines and other penalties.
What is a written warning?
If you receive a written warning while driving, this is not the same as a summons or ticket. It is a formal notice issued by the police for a minor traffic violation. Unlike a summons, it does not result in a fine, penalty, or points on your license, and it is not recorded on your motor vehicle record.
Rather, it serves as a warning measure, alerting drivers to their violation and emphasizing the importance of following traffic laws. While there are no immediate consequences, repeated warnings may result in law enforcement action in the future.
What to do if you receive a traffic ticket or ticket
If you receive a ticket or ticket while driving, it’s important to act quickly. First, read the ticket carefully to find out what the violation was, the amount of the fine, and your court date. Your options typically include paying the fine, contesting the ticket in court, or attending traffic school to reduce your fine. In some jurisdictions, you may be able to negotiate your ticket, in which case you can petition for a reduced fine or attend a driving safety class in exchange for having the ticket dismissed.
Not addressing a traffic ticket can have serious consequences. Failure to pay the fine can result in increased fines, the suspension of your driver’s license or vehicle registration, and even an arrest warrant. Ignoring a traffic ticket can negatively impact your credit score and make it more difficult to renew your driver’s license or register your vehicle. To determine the best course of action, it is critical that you explore your available options, act promptly, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary.
How do traffic tickets affect your auto insurance premiums?
Depending on your car insurance company and your driving history, your car insurance rates may increase if you receive a traffic ticket.
Your first automatic citation
If you’re concerned about how a traffic ticket will affect your auto insurance premiums, consider inquiring about a ticket waiver. Some insurance companies offer waivers for first-time offenders if the ticket won’t affect your premiums. Ticket waivers are usually limited to minor violations.
For drivers who are repeat offenders or who are not exempt from insurance, a single traffic ticket can increase your annual premiums by hundreds of dollars – or significantly, depending on the severity of the ticket.
| Driving record | Average Monthly Cost* | Average Annual Cost* | An increase above the national average. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good driving record | $194 | $2,329 | 0% |
| Speeding ticket | $251 | $3,016 | 29% |
| Negligence accident | $277 | $3,329 | 43% |
| DUI conviction | $398 | $4,772 | 105% |
*Prices are for full coverage
Repeated traffic violations
Having too many motor vehicle violations, especially if they result in your driver’s license being revoked or suspended, can result in a significant increase in your insurance premiums or even cause your insurance company to terminate your coverage. This can happen in one of two ways.
If you have committed several violations but your driver’s license is still valid (i.e., not suspended or revoked), you may receive a non-renewal notice from your auto insurance company. This notice warns you in advance that your auto insurance policy with that company will not be renewed. If you are considered a high-risk driver, not only will your premiums be higher, but you may also have difficulty obtaining insurance at all. Such drivers may need to look for non-standard insurers or secure coverage from state high-risk driver insurance pools.
You may receive a termination notice from your auto insurance company if your driver’s privileges are suspended, which can happen at any time during the term of your policy. You may also be required to submit an SR-22 or FR-44 certificate if you have received multiple speeding tickets or other violations, or if you want to have your driver’s privileges reinstated.
In addition to fines, a traffic ticket can result in points being added to your driving record. If you earn enough points, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles may revoke your license. If you receive a traffic ticket, you may be subject to additional fees the next time you renew your insurance. It’s important to keep in mind that some insurance terms are shorter than others, so if you get a six-month policy instead of an annual policy, you may see your premiums increase more quickly.
What is a ticket waiver?
An infringement waiver in auto insurance refers to an endorsement in an insurance policy that prevents premiums from increasing after a driver commits their first traffic violation. This differs from the more common insurance option, the accident waiver, which waives the premium surcharge that typically applies after a driver has their first at-fault accident.
Some policies that offer traffic ticket waivers include accident waivers as part of their coverage, but in most cases they are a separate coverage option. With a traffic ticket waivers, the insurance company “waives” the policyholder for minor infractions, such as getting a speeding ticket for going 5 mph over the speed limit. Not all insurance companies offer this, and some states (such as California) prohibit it under their regulations.
How can I lower my car insurance premiums if I get a speeding ticket?
Having a traffic violation on your motor vehicle record can affect your insurance rates for several years, but there may be a way to offset the negative financial impact.
- You may also be able to get discounts by signing up for a telematics program that monitors your driving via an app or device.
- You can also lower your premiums by talking to your insurance agent or insurance company to ensure you take advantage of all the discounts available.
Keep in mind that premium increases following a violation are usually temporary and may only last for a few years. After that, your premiums should go down if you have maintained an accident-free record since the violation. Keep in mind that premium increases for DUIs may last longer than other types.
FAQ
Methodology
Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to analyze August 2024 rates for every zip code and insurer in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on population density in each area. Estimated rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female solo driver with a no-accident record, good credit, and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- Bodily injury liability of $300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability of $50,000 per accident
- $100,000 per person in bodily injury claims caused by uninsured motorists
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury compensation of $300,000 per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine the minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used the minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements: Our base profile driver owns a 2022 Toyota Camry, commutes to work five days a week, and drives 12,000 miles per year.
Incident: Charges were calculated by assessing a base profile applying a no accident record (base), at-fault accidents, one speeding ticket and one drink driving conviction.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparison purposes only.
