How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

Receiving a speeding ticket can impact your auto insurance rates and may even prevent your insurance provider from renewing your policy, depending on the severity of your violation. Although a speeding ticket conviction has the potential to impact your insurance premiums for an average of three to five years, they may show up on your motor vehicle record (MVR) indefinitely. Insurance providers evaluate your premiums based on your risk level, which is calculated by various factors, including your current driving record and driving history, age (in most states) and location. Bankrate can help you understand how a speeding ticket affects your auto insurance premium, policy eligibility and driving status and find ways to save on your premium.

Speeding tickets and auto insurance premiums

When it comes to auto insurance rates, an insurance provider will evaluate your driving record to help determine your risk level. A speeding ticket violation on your MVR can imply to insurance companies that you may be a higher risk to insure, leading to higher car insurance premiums for some time. 

Each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) keeps track of traffic violations using a point system. No matter where you live when you are convicted of a speeding violation, a certain number of points will likely be assessed on your driver’s license. The number of points usually depends on how many miles per hour you traveled over the posted speed limit. In most states, the higher you go over the speed limit, the more points you will receive on your driving record. 

Many drivers who are convicted of a speeding violation see an increase in auto insurance costs upon their next policy renewal. According to Quadrant Information Services, drivers with a speeding violation see an average 21 percent increase on their full coverage car insurance policy. However, each auto insurance company has its way of setting rates, meaning your premium increase will vary based on your company and other rating factors. 

If you have other incidents on your driving record or if your speeding ticket was severe enough, there’s a chance your insurance company may nonrenew your policy. You may be considered a high-risk driver, in which case it may be more difficult to find an insurance company to insure you, which can result in you having to search for nonstandard car insurance.

Speeding tickets and auto insurance eligibility

A speeding ticket may affect more than just how much you pay for insurance — it may impact your ability to renew your current policy and eligibility for coverage with other car insurance companies. But how long does a speeding ticket affect your car insurance? To help determine your risk, insurance companies will evaluate your MVR and Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report to learn how many accidents, tickets and other incidents, such as DUIs, you have had. Although most insurance companies look at the last three to five years for speeding tickets, each company has its own guidelines dictating how far back it will assess your driving record.

If your driver’s license was suspended for a major violation or repeat violations, this may cause more complications. Finding auto insurance coverage with a suspended license can be tricky but possible. You may need to choose an auto insurer specifically geared toward insuring high-risk drivers.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

Car insurers typically only consider speeding tickets listed on your MVR that have a conviction date within three to five years of your policy term, but it may be more with certain carriers.

A speeding ticket can cause a hike in your insurance premiums, which could impact other aspects of your life, including your financial planning and budget.

In addition to a possible increase in your insurance premium, there are several other consequences that come with receiving a citation. You may have to pay court fees, state fines, and attend a defensive driving course. 

The total cost of a speeding ticket varies. Each state has its own policy on speeding tickets so the cost will depend on the state and how fast you were driving over the speed limit. Additionally, you’ll have to face insurance premium increases and any other financial penalties from the city, county, or state where the citation was issued. Understanding your state’s laws can help prepare you for the aftermath of a speeding ticket.

How to save on car insurance with a speeding ticket

Although your premium will typically increase after you are convicted of a speeding ticket, there are ways you may save on your auto insurance. Here are a few ways to potentially save on car insurance if you are being impacted by a speeding ticket:

• Shop around: Every company has its own rating system, which means some companies might rate your speeding ticket more heavily than others. Researching other insurance companies and obtaining quotes from several companies can help you find a carrier that offers the same coverage for less.
• Take a defensive driving course: Some auto insurers offer a discount for drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course or a driver’s education program. This discount is not available from all companies or in all states, so be sure to talk to a representative from your company or your insurance agent before you sign up for a course.
• Bundle your policies: Most insurance companies that provide multiple lines of insurance, like home and auto policies, offer a savings opportunity for buying more than one type of policy, often called bundling. For example, if you have a home and a vehicle, buying both policies from the same carrier will typically generate significant savings on each.
• Take advantage of other discounts: Most companies offer car insurance discounts to help drivers save on their auto insurance. In addition to the bundling discount, some common savings opportunities include paying in full, signing up for paperless bills and statements, enrolling in a telematics program and driving fewer miles per year.

Speeding tickets are a common traffic violation. Having one on your driving record can have significant financial and practical implications on your life. Depending on the state you live in, the amount you exceeded the speed limit and the total number of points accumulated on your MVR, you may be dealing with the fallout of a ticket for several years. Thankfully, most auto insurers offer discounts or savings opportunities that can help lower your insurance cost after a speeding ticket.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Incident: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with a single speeding ticket applied.