How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

We’ve all been running late and tempted to push a little harder on the gas pedal. However, a speeding ticket is a costly way to be on time.

When you get a speeding ticket, a fine comes along with it. Not to mention higher auto insurance rates.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record? Your state not only decides how long a ticket stays on your record, but it also determines how long a speeding ticket impacts auto insurance rates. Surprisingly, those two timeframes aren’t always the same.

Keep reading to learn more about how long a speeding ticket stays on your record and how to lower rates.

How long does a speeding ticket stay on your record?

Each state has its own driving and insurance rules. In addition, those rules change from state to state. If you get a speeding ticket, you’ll be affected for years. But, again, how long varies by state.

In addition to a fine, a speeding ticket also comes with points. The more points you get, the higher the fine. And, if you get enough points, your driver’s license can be suspended.

How long do points stay on your driving record? How quickly points begin to drop off your record depends on your state. Some states allow a certain number of points to come off every year, while others only remove points at a certain time after your ticket.

How long do speeding tickets stay on your record? Speeding tickets only remain on your driving record for three to five years in most states. On the other hand, a handful of states, including Alabama and Maine, remove speeding tickets after one year.

However, some states keep track of tickets much longer. For example, tickets never come off of your record in Colorado.

However, that doesn’t mean a ticket affects your rates forever. Even in states that keep a ticket on your record, auto insurance rates are typically only affected for three to five years.

How many speeding tickets can you get? Again, that depends on your state and how many points are acquired. States usually assign more points the more you speed.

For example, someone driving 10 miles an hour over the speed limit in Nevada may only get one point. However, driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit in Virginia earns you six points.

Additionally, where you are caught speeding affects points. For example, speeding in a school zone carries more penalties than speeding on the interstate.

How does a speeding ticket affect auto insurance rates?

Many factors affect auto insurance rates, but your driving record is one of the most significant. Your driving record shows the insurance company how risky you are to insure. High-risk drivers see much higher rates.

Although speeding is common, auto insurance companies take speeding very seriously. According to the Centers for Disease Control, speed contributes to one-third of traffic deaths.

This table shows just how much one speeding ticket affects auto insurance rates. Average rates from top companies after one ticket are listed.

Average Auto Insurance Rates After One Speeding Ticket

On average, one speeding ticket raises rates by $45 a month. Rates skyrocket with multiple speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs.

However, rates vary according to the insurance company. Every company weighs your personal factors differently.

Shop around to find the best car insurance for bad drivers. While some insurance companies raise rates for one speeding ticket, another company may overlook it if it’s the first one on your record.

In addition, not all states report speeding tickets to each other. Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee don’t report traffic tickets to other states. Colorado, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and Pennsylvania only report major convictions, like reckless driving or DUI.

For example, if you get caught speeding in Michigan, it won’t be reported to your home state. So although you’ll still have to pay a fine, your auto insurance rates probably won’t increase.

How can drivers save on auto insurance after a speeding ticket?

Once higher auto insurance rates from a speeding ticket kick in, finding cheap car insurance becomes even more important. We’ll show you ways to lower rates and how to get a speeding ticket off your record.

First, take advantage of discounts. Most auto insurance companies offer various discounts, and most drivers qualify for more than one. While you won’t get a safe driving discount after a ticket, you may be eligible for multi-car, good student, or occupational discounts.

This table shows discounts from top auto insurance companies. The discount amount is listed if available.

Auto Insurance Discounts By Company

Next, take a defensive driving course. Not only will your insurance company offer a discount, but many states drop points for taking a class, effectively removing the ticket from your record.

In addition, you can always fight the ticket in court. If it’s your first speeding ticket, the court may decide to reduce or remove the ticket. Avoid adding more tickets to keep rates low by obeying speed limits and traffic laws. Keeping your driving record clean saves hundreds of dollars a year.

Finally, reduce coverage and raise deductibles for lower rates. Although out-of-pocket costs are higher, overall auto insurance rates are lower.

How Long Speeding Tickets Stay on Your Record: The Bottom Line

Although speeding tickets typically stay on your driving record for three to five years, it varies by state. Some states, like Colorado, keep the ticket on your record but reduce auto insurance rates in a few years.

Your car insurance rates increase by about $40 a month after one speeding ticket, but adding discounts and reducing coverage lowers rates. Additionally, a defensive driving course can earn you a discount and reduce points at the same time in some states.

The best way to get lower auto insurance rates after a speeding ticket is to shop around. Every company looks at your driving record differently, so compare multiple companies to find great coverage with low rates.