Many people look at speeding tickets as a minor infraction that is more of a nuisance than anything. It’s an inconvenience they’d rather pay the fine for and forget. What they don’t realize is that a simple ticket can have a much bigger impact than a one-time fine. In fact, it may be a mistake you end up paying for the following ten years. Surprised? Then, there are more things you need to know about these pesky tickets most people overlook. For instance, you may ask, “How long does a speeding ticket stay on my record? Or, “Can I get a speeding ticket removed from my record?” But before we get started, we need to connect you with a great traffic lawyer, D Turner Legal, LLC at 317-721-4783 for help with your speeding ticket now!
Why Are Speeding Tickets Bad?
Speeding tickets add penalty points on your driving record. These points add up and if you get too many in a certain amount of time, you’ll find yourself with a suspended license. Not only do they affect your driving record, they can also come with hefty fines and raise the cost of your car insurance. If your driving record is already tarnished, your insurance company may even choose to terminate your policy, thus compounding the effect of a speeding ticket on a would be flawless driving record.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Affect Your Insurance?
The good news is, your insurance company may not know about your speeding ticket until they check your driving record. They don’t typically do this type of check unless a change is being made or it’s time to renew your policy. The bad news is, one speeding ticket will typically affect your insurance for the next three years. While the exact time frame and percentage increase vary by state, the average increase in an insurance premium is 20%. For some states, rates may even be higher up to five years.
Imagine then, paying a higher premium for the next three years because of a “minor” moving traffic violation! This would be especially detrimental if you were in fact innocent or felt there were extenuating circumstances.
How Can I Get a Speeding Ticket Off My Record?
Of course, the best way to avoid long-term penalties for speeding is to avoid getting a ticket altogether. If it’s too late for that, you may want to consider hiring a traffic lawyer to fight the ticket in court. They may be able to have the ticket dismissed. If it’s too late for that, you may be able to attend traffic school to have a speeding ticket and potentially a point removed from your record.