The High Cost Of Breaking Speeding Laws

Speeding can be costly, and not just in terms of the initial ticket price. The financial consequences of speeding can be significant, with the cost of a ticket depending on the speed limit and the number of miles per hour exceeded. For example, in Washington, speeding 16 to 20 miles over a 40 mph speed limit will result in a $210 fine, whereas speeding over 40 mph will result in a $426 fine. In California, speeding violations carry a base fine of $35 for exceeding the limit by 1 to 15 mph, but additional court fines and legal fees can increase the total cost to over $200. Speeding can also lead to increased insurance rates, points on your license, and even license suspension. For instance, in Colorado, driving 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, which can result in a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail, a $150 fine, or both.

Fines and penalties

In Washington State, fines are higher. Speeding 31-35 mph over the speed limit will cost you $364, while anything over 40 mph will cost $426. These amounts only include the fine for the ticket itself, and insurance rates will likely increase as well.

In Colorado, penalties for speeding violations are separated into two categories: Class A and Class B traffic infractions. The penalty range for these infractions is a fine of $15 to $100, although higher penalties are specified for certain infractions. For example, driving 25 mph or more over the posted speed limit is a Class 2 misdemeanour traffic offence, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 days in jail or a $150 fine, or both.

In Florida, speeding can lead to increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, and even license suspension. The base fine for speeding is just the starting point, and several factors can increase the total cost. For example, speeding in a school zone or construction zone will double the fine. Speeding in an Enhanced Penalty Zone, which are segments on highways with a high incidence of speeding-related crashes, carries an additional $50 fine.

In general, it's important to remember that speeding can have significant financial consequences and can also be dangerous. It's always best to drive at or below the speed limit to avoid these fines and penalties, as well as to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

Increased insurance rates

The impact of a speeding ticket on insurance rates is influenced by several factors, including your prior driving record, the number of tickets received, the time since your last moving violation, and the number of miles per hour you exceeded the speed limit. For instance, in California, a single speeding ticket can increase insurance costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.

Additionally, insurance companies may consider speeding tickets when deciding whether to renew your policy. Speeding violations indicate a higher risk of accidents, leading to higher insurance rates. The perception of being a high-risk driver can also result in losing benefits associated with a good driving record.

Moreover, speeding tickets can remain on your driving record for several years, affecting your insurance rates during that period. In Illinois, for instance, speeding tickets stay on the record for around five years, while in Washington, they remain for three years.

Points on your driving record

The number of points added to your record will depend on how much over the speed limit you were driving. For example, in California, speeding violations are divided into three categories: exceeding the speed limit by 1-15 mph, 16-25 mph, and 26 mph or more. The more you exceed the speed limit, the more points you will likely receive.

The length of time that points remain on your driving record varies by state. For example, in Washington state, a committed traffic infraction stays on your driving record for three years. In California, points can remain on your record for anywhere from three to seven years, but insurance surcharges typically last up to three years.

It's important to note that points on your driving record can also increase your insurance rates. Insurance companies may view you as a higher-risk driver and charge you higher premiums. The increase in insurance rates can be significant and may last for several years.

To reduce the number of points on your driving record, you may have the option to attend a driver improvement course or traffic school. By completing these courses, you may be able to keep the ticket and associated points off your record, helping you avoid insurance premium increases.

License suspension

In most states, a single violation will not lead to a license suspension. However, if you are under the age of 18, a single violation may be enough to get your license suspended. For adult drivers, multiple moving violations within a certain period (which varies by state) are required before a license suspension is imposed.

Each state has its own point system, with each moving violation leading to a certain number of points being added to a driver's license. If the number of points rises above the threshold provided by state law, the driver's license may be suspended. In some states, a moving violation generally counts as one point unless it involved excessive speed, in which case it counts as two points. A license suspension can result if a driver receives four points in one year, six points in two years, or twelve points in three years.

In New York City, a driver's license will be suspended if they accumulate 11 points or three speeding tickets within 18 months. The number of points assessed for speeding depends on how fast the driver was going above the speed limit:

1 to 10 mph over: 3 points

11 to 20 mph over: 4 points

21 to 30 mph over: 6 points

31 to 40 mph over: 8 points

More than 40 mph over: 11 points

Fines increase if a driver is convicted of more than one speed violation in 18 months. A license is revoked for three convictions in 18 months.

Jail time

In Arizona, a first-time conviction for criminal speeding may result in up to 30 days in jail, although this is rare for a first offence. Repeat offenders may be sentenced to jail time. In California, reckless driving can result in a jail sentence of 5 to 90 days. If speeding results in the death of another person, vehicular manslaughter or homicide charges are possible, which may carry a jail sentence.

In New York, participating in or aiding in an unauthorised speed contest is a misdemeanour offence that can result in up to 30 days in jail for a first offence, and up to 6 months in jail for a second conviction within a year. If speeding, a driver may also be charged with reckless driving, which carries a potential jail sentence of up to 30 days for a first offence, up to 90 days for a second offence, and up to 120 days for a third conviction.

Frequently asked questions